Record Crowd for Anzac Day 2014 National Ceremony

A record 25,500 visitors attended the Anzac Day National Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial today – an 8,000 increase on last year. 

Dr Brendan Nelson, Director of the Australian War Memorial, says he’s delighted with the attendance figures for Australia’s most significant national occasion.

“Today is the biggest Anzac Day commemoration we have ever experienced at the Australian War Memorial. Obviously, people wanted to show their support of the commemoration of 99 years since the landing on Gallipoli,” Dr Nelson said.

“The presence of their Royal Highness the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at our national service obviously bolstered public attendance at the ceremony. Also, it was also an unexpected pleasure to host their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Dawn Service. Although their attendance was not on the official itinerary, they wanted to join with Australians in commemorating today.

“Anzac Day is a time for Australians to come together to commemorate the sacrifices made by Australian service men and women in theatres of war and peacetime throughout the world.”

Their Royal Highnesses placed wreaths on the Stone of Remembrance at the National Ceremony and later planted a seedling propagated from the War Memorial’s Lone Pine tree.

Before the planting the Duke and Duchess were presented by Victoria Cross recipient, Corporal Mark Donaldson, with a wood carved reproduction of the Australian Victoria Cross made from Australian timbers including the historic Lone Pine.

The veterans’ march was led by Australia’s Victoria Cross Recipients: Corporal Ben Roberts Smith VC MG, Corporal Daniel Keighran VC, Corporal Mark Donaldson VC, and Warrant Officer Keith Payne VC.

The commemorative address was delivered by Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon Tony Abbot MP.

The Memorial is open for the remainder of Anzac Day. The public are encouraged to attend the Last Post Ceremony in the Memorial’s Commemorative Area at 4.55 pm where Corporal Daniel Keighran VC will read the story of Captain Keith Heritage.