Strong crowd numbers for Anzac Day Dawn Service 2017

An estimated 38,000 visitors gathered this morning at the Australian War Memorial for the 2017 Anzac Day Dawn Service. 

Dr Brendan Nelson, Director of the Australian War Memorial, said he was proud of the continuing commitment and dedication of everyday Australians to the annual commemoration of Anzac Day.

“The attendance at this year’s Dawn Service shows the enduring connection so many people have to Anzac Day and what it represents for our servicemen and servicewomen – and indeed for all Australians,” Dr Nelson said.

“The landing on Gallipoli is one of the most iconic moments in Australian history, but it is important to remember that for those who participated, it was just the beginning of their service. Many went on to endure the mud and blood and tragedy of the Western Front.  

“This is the centenary of our worst year - we began 1917 in the snow of Bullecourt and finished in the blood soaked slime and mud of the Passchendaele ridge. Of the 76,000 casualties recorded that year more than 38,000 occurred in eight weeks during the Third Battle of Ypres.”

“Anzac Day is the day we remember the commitment and sacrifice of all our men and women who have served in conflicts and on operational service, and those who continue to serve today,” Dr Nelson said.   

For the fifth year in a row, images of Australian servicemen and servicewomen were projected onto the front façade of the Memorial prior to the Dawn Service. The pre-dawn proceedings also featured a series of readings by Australian servicemen and servicewomen.

The Dawn Service commenced with Warlpiri Man Leading Aircraftman Brodie McIntyre of the Royal Australian Air Force playing the didgeridoo from the parapet of the Memorial. The Dawn Service Commemorative Address was delivered by Sapper Curtis McGrath OAM, who lost his legs serving in Afghanistan and went on to become a champion Paralympic athlete.

“We encourage those who could not join us at the Dawn Service today to come to the National Ceremony, which commences at 10.30 am,” Dr Nelson said.

This year’s Anzac Day veterans’ march will be reviewed by Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, who will also deliver the Commemorative Address.  

The Memorial will open to the public following the conclusion of the National Ceremony at approximately 1:00 pm.