Joint media release - Stop, Pause and Honour this Anzac Day

Today, as the Last Post cuts the silence of dawn, we pause to honour and remember the more than two million personnel who have served in Australia’s Defence Forces.

In towns across our nation, and in many across the globe, Australians are gathering to recognise all those who have, and continue to wear our nation’s uniform.  

That service, in war and conflict, as well as in humanitarian and peace operations, has brought our nation both pride and sorrow and earned its place in our national identity.

On Anzac Day, we honour the memory of the more than 103,000 Australians who have given their life in our country’s name.

In the 109 years since the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli, the Anzac legacy is as strong as ever.

In Australia, the national Anzac Day Dawn Service is being held in the Sculpture Garden of the Australian War Memorial, while the RSL Veterans' March is, for the first time, being held on the Memorial’s newly commissioned parade ground.

International Dawn Services are being held in Gallipoli in Türkiye, near Villers-Bretonneux in France, Sandakan in Malaysia, Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea and Hellfire Pass in Thailand, marking some of the most significant battles in our nation’s short history.

Whether at home or abroad, we encourage every Australian to pause and reflect on the contribution made by all service personnel who have displayed great courage, discipline and self-sacrifice in choosing a life of service to their country.

Lest we forget.

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.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“This Anzac Day, we acknowledge the 1500 Australian Defence personnel who are currently deployed on operations and honour the memory of the more than 103,000 Australians who gave their life in service of our country.”

“When we think about the Gallipoli campaign, we think of mateship and sacrifice, and we admire the extraordinary actions of the Anzac soldiers.”

“Every year on this day, the anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli, we come together to show our respect for the military personnel whose service keeps our country safe and remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh:

“I am honoured to be representing Australia at the Dawn Service at Villers-Bretonneux, France this year. More than 295,000 Australians served on the Western Front during the course of the First World War, making up the vast majority of the 330,000 who saw service overseas.”

“Tragically some 46,000 Australians were killed on the Western Front and more than 100,000 were wounded. Today, services across the Western Front reflect the enduring relationship between Australia and France, forged in these fields.”  

“We stand together at Villers-Bretonneux to remember the remarkable battles 106 years ago that turned the tide of the war, and our troops who gave so much, fighting in our name.”

“On Anzac Day we salute our Australian service personnel for their extraordinary feats in times of conflict and peace and remember their service and sacrifice which continues today. We also acknowledge the loved ones that supported or lost them.”

“The names of the fallen, the brave and those who served in so many ways, are written into our history; and we honour and pay tribute to them all.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy

“Anzac Day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women, both past and present.”

"Today, as we pay tribute to those who have served our nation, we also recognise the enduring legacy of Anzac spirit. It's a time to reflect on the values of comradeship, sacrifice, and resilience that continue to define our national character."

“I will be attending the dawn service at Doyalson RSL on the NSW Central Coast as we come together to remember and honour the sacrifices of our servicemen and women. On this Anzac Day we stand united in our gratitude for their service to our nation.”

Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Thistlethwaite: 

“I am honoured to be representing Australia here in Sandakan, Malaysia. At this place, which was once a prisoner of war camp, we remember the courage, the service and the sacrifice of so many prisoners of war, many whom perished on the death marches to Ranau.”

“As Australians, our sadness is only matched by our pride in those who volunteered or were called upon to serve in the war.”

“Today we remember the terrible suffering and immense endurance of those who served, we honour them for the sacrifices they made for the sake of us all.”

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.

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