Joint media release - Paying tribute to our troops on Anzac Day

Tomorrow at dawn, Australians and New Zealanders the world over will gather to honour those who have served our nations in times of war, conflict, peace and humanitarian operations.

This is our national day of commemoration, Anzac Day holds a special place in the hearts of Australians.

This year, and as we mark the 108th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, Anzac Day Dawn Services will be held all over Australia as well as internationally on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Villers-Bretonneux in France, Hellfire Pass in Thailand, Sandakan in Malaysia and in Papua New Guinea.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the declaration ending Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War - 521 Australians were killed in the Vietnam War and more than 3,000 were wounded. Many of those who survived endured great hardship during the war, and returned home with both physical and emotional scars.

In Australia, the national Anzac Day Dawn Service and RSL Veterans' March will recognise the 30th Anniversary of Australia’s peacekeeping operations in Somalia at the Australian War Memorial.

For veterans and their families, Anzac Day and other commemorative days can be a challenging time. We encourage veterans and families who may need support on Anzac Day to reach out and access the services available.

Lest we forget.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:
“This year on Anzac Day, we remember the 50th anniversary of Australia ending its involvement in the Vietnam War.
“We acknowledge the 1,200 Australian Defence personnel who are currently deployed on operations and we remember all of those who’ve served wearing our nation’s uniform and those who have lost their lives in conflict.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh:
“In the early light of dawn, when the Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, little did they know that they were making history, forming a legend that would resonate for generations to come.

“I am honoured to be representing Australia at the Dawn Service at Gallipoli, Türkiye this year. Some 60,000 Australians served here during the eight-month campaign and more than 8,700 lost their lives.

“Even though more than a century has passed we will continue to honour their service, share their stories and remember their names.
“I encourage any veterans or members of their families who feel as though they need support this Anzac Day to reach out to the services available.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:
“I am honoured to be representing Australia at the Dawn Service at the Bomana War Cemetery in Papua New Guinea, where 3,314 Australians are buried, more than anywhere else in the world.

“We will remember the immense suffering and endurance of those who fought on the Kokoda Track in World War Two, as part of the Battle for Australia, along with all of those who’ve served and continue to serve in the spirit of the Anzacs.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Thistlethwaite:
“This year marks the 105th anniversary of the Battles of Villers-Bretonneux, where Australian and British troops defended and then took back the town from the advancing German forces. It is here on the Western Front that Australia suffered its greatest losses in the First World War.

“This Anzac Day, I encourage everyone to acknowledge and pay tribute to not only those who served in Gallipoli or on the Western Front but all of our service personnel who have engaged in conflict, peacekeeping or humanitarian operations and the friends and allies they have served alongside, as well as those loved ones that supported or lost them.

“Anzac Day can be a day of mixed emotions for our veterans. While it is a day to honour their service and catch up with mates, it can be a difficult day for many.”

To learn more about the international Anzac Day services, visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website. 

For information on the national services at the Australian War Memorial, visit the AWM website.

For more information on the meaning of Anzac Day, visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Anzac Portal.

Editor’s note: For veterans and families this day may be an emotional time and lead to feelings of distress. You are encouraged to include the contact information for Open Arms Veterans and Families Counselling in your stories. Open Arms is available 24/7 on 1800 011 046 or visit OpenArms.gov.au.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608