MEDIA RELEASE
25 April 2024
AUSTRALIANS GATHER TO HONOUR ANZAC DAY 2024
Australians have gathered around the world today in the thousands to honour all those who have served our nation in wars, conflicts and peace and humanitarian operations.
This year, as we mark 109 years since the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli, we paused to honour more than 103,000 fallen Australians for their ultimate sacrifice in service of our nation.
Anzac Day services have been held in Australia since 1916, with the day formally observed as a day of commemoration in every state and territory since the 1920s. This year, the Dawn Service within the sculpture garden at the Australian War Memorial attracted more than 32,000 participants.
Pilgrimages on Anzac Day to places where Australians have served has been a long standing tradition.
Estimated attendance at Anzac Day international commemorative services are below:
|
Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye |
1,647 people |
|
Lone Pine Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye |
1,127 people |
|
Dawn Service, Australian National Memorial, France |
1,901 people |
|
Dawn Service, Hellfire Pass, Thailand |
1,011 people |
|
Dawn Service, Sandakan, Malaysia |
200 people |
|
Bomana War Cemetery service, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea |
3,300 people |
|
Isurava Memorial service, Isurava, Papua New Guinea |
800 people |
View photos from the overseas services.
More photos will be available soon on the Defence images website.
Media note on Anzac Day reporting
Anzac Day can be an emotional time for veterans and families, and for those currently serving in the Australian Defence Force.
As you cover stories and run programs about Australia's military history and its effect on Australians who have served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) requests you include contact details for specialised counselling services and resources for veterans where appropriate.
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling Service provides free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families. They can be reached 24/7 on 1800 011 046 or visit the Open Arms website (http://www.openarms.gov.au) for more information.
For more information on the meaning of Anzac Day and its history, visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs Anzac Portal.
ENDS
Contact: DVA Media media.team@dva.gov.au or 02 6289 6466