Anzac Day

Reflect on their service in those quiet, peaceful moments before dawn.

The Dawn Service was an informal standing ceremony.
The ceremony included the laying of wreaths on behalf of Australia and New Zealand symbolising the unity of ANZAC.

From 4.30 am, representatives from the Australian Defence Force read excerpts from the letters and diaries of Australians who have experienced war first-hand.

The Dawn Service was broadcast live on the ABC and on the Memorial's Facebook .

Held after the Anzac Day Dawn Service at “For Our Country” Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service Memorial.

Commencing at 9.30 am, the RSL (ACT Branch) Veterans’ March proceed through the western grounds of the Memorial.

Following the march, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia delivered an Anzac Day address to the nation from the Memorial’s Commemorative Area. The address was televised to the nation, and shown on viewing screens within the Memorial grounds and on Reid Oval.

The Veterans’ March was broadcast by the ABC. 

In the Last Post Ceremony for 25 April we remembered Private Joseph Hilton Cumberland and Private Oliver James Cumberland, both served Australia in the First World War.

The Anzac Day Last Post Ceremony streamed live on this website and on the Memorial's Facebook page.

Share photos of your local war memorials and Anzac Day services on Places of Pride.

Anzac Day, 25 April, is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

Commemorative ceremonies, such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, share many customs and traditions. Explore the origins and significance of these customs and traditions.