Strong crowd numbers for Anzac Day Dawn Service 2018

An estimated crowd of about 38,000 visitors gathered this morning at the Australian War Memorial for the 2018 Anzac Day Dawn Service.  

Memorial Director Dr Brendan Nelson, 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. 

“On Anzac Day we always pause to commemorate the landings at Gallipoli in 1915, but the day has become so much more. It 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.   

This year we also commemorate the year the war turned in favour of the Allies, in no small part due to the efforts of Australian soldiers, with a series of stunning victories under the leadership of General Sir John Monash. This includes the decisive victory at the battle of Villers-Bretonneux which took place 100 years ago today.  

For the sixth year in a row, images of Australian servicemen and servicewomen were projected onto the front façade of the Memorial prior to the Dawn Service. In addition, an audio-visual presentation featuring reflections of those affected by military service in Afghanistan was played on the big screens.    The pre-dawn proceedings also featured a series of readings by Australian servicemen and servicewomen.

The Dawn Service commenced with Wing Commander Jonathan Lilley Air Force Senior Indigenous Liaison Officer and member of the Worimi people playing the didgeridoo from the parapet of the Memorial. The Dawn Service Commemorative Address was delivered by Colonel Susan Neuhaus CSC (Retd), who is an army surgeon.

“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 His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. 

The National Ceremony Commemorative Address will be delivered by The Honourable Kim Beazley and an additional Address will be given by Second World War veteran Mr. Robert (Bob) Semple.

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