Anzac Day is only a few weeks away, and the Australian War Memorial is encouraging people to prepare for the 108th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.
Large crowds are expected at the Dawn Service and ACT Returned and Services League Veterans’ March on Tuesday 25 April. The Governor-General, David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), will review the event.
More than 120 veterans who served as part of 1993 peacekeeping operations in Somalia will march with the Governor-General, who commanded 1RAR Battalion Group in Operation Solace. Australia’s involvement will feature in a photographic exhibition on display at the Memorial from 17 April to 8 May.
“We encourage everyone to attend these special ceremonies at the Australian War Memorial,” Memorial director Matt Anderson said. “Anzac Day means so much to so many people, and it is a comfort to commemorate together.”
The proceedings will start early on 25 April. Images from the National Collection will be displayed from 3.30 am; the letters and diaries of Australian servicemen will be read at 4.30 am; and the dawn service will begin at 5.30 am.
Large screens for public viewing will be set up on Reid Oval, across from Limestone Avenue.
After the Dawn Service, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans and Services Association (ATSIVSA) Commemorative Ceremony will be held at 7.30 am at the For Our Country memorial in the Sculpture Garden.
“We will honour all First Nations Peoples who have served in defence of country on Anzac Day,” Indigenous liaison officer Michael Bell said.
“It is appropriate to conduct this ceremony at the For Our Country memorial as it is a ceremonial and inclusive memorial that gives First Nations People a focal point for commemoration on this important day.”
The Veterans’ March will begin at 9.30 am, starting on Anzac Parade at the intersection of Blamey Crescent and Currong Street. It will continue up West Road, through the grounds of the Memorial, passing the Stone of Remembrance before the Governor-General delivers the Anzac Day Address.
Roads will be closed from 8 pm Monday 24 April until approximately 4.30 pm Tuesday 25 April. Limestone and Fairbairn Avenues, and Anzac Parade north of the Blamey Crescent and Currong Street intersection, will be affected.
Limited parking is available onsite. Priority will be given to vehicles displaying a government-issued Mobility Parking Permit.
Complimentary shuttle bus services for the Dawn Service and the Veterans’ March will be available from the Canberra Centre and Russell Offices. Details can be found at www.awm.gov.au/anzac.
Register to Ride bus services are offered for the Dawn Service only by Transport Canberra from Belconnen, City, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, and Woden Interchanges. For further information, please visit: www.transport.act.gov.au.
Tickets are not required to attend the Dawn Service, ATSIVSA Ceremony, or Veterans’ March, but are required to enter the galleries and attend the Last Post Ceremony. Free timed tickets can be booked on the Memorial’s website. For those who cannot attend commemorations, events will be broadcast on ABC television and online.
