Australians took the time to pause and reflect on the contribution made by servicemen and women – past and present – at Anzac Day ceremonies across the country and overseas today, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, said. Today marks 95 years since the Anzacs landed at Gallipoli and fought bravely in a campaign that forged the ANZAC ideals and left a legacy that has carried through to the men and women of today’s Defence Force.

“I was honoured to be one of the 7000 Australians and New Zealanders who made the pilgrimage to experience Anzac Day at Gallipoli,” he said. “At dawn on 25 April 1915, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – the Anzacs – came ashore at Gallipoli as part of the first major action for Australia in the First World War. More than 2000 Australians were killed or wounded on the first day. More than 8700 were killed during the eight-month-long campaign."

“After Gallipoli, many of those who remained were sent to fight in some of the bloodiest Western Front battles where some 46,000 Australians were killed. Around 3500 Australians attended the annual Dawn Service at the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, France. Thousands of Australians also attended services at other locations around the world where Australians have served – at Sandakan in Malaysia, Hellfire Pass in Thailand, Isurava in Papua New Guinea and elsewhere."

“In many towns and cities across Australia thousands attended local services and marches. I would like to thank ex-service organisations and their members across Australia for their hard work in organising local Anzac Day services and marches. I would also like to thank the people of the countries where Anzac Day services were held for the hospitality they extended to visiting Australians. Anzac Day is not only an important day to honour our veteran community, young and old, but also to ensure these important traditions are passed on to future generations,” Mr Griffin said