Thousands Gather Across Australia and New Zealand for Anzac Day 2024 Commemorations

Anzac Day 2024 saw massive crowds at dawn services across Australia and New Zealand, as thousands gathered to pay their respects to the soldiers who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The day marks the 109th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings in World War I, which has become an enduring symbol of military sacrifice.

In Australia, over 32,000 people attended the National Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. The commemorative address was delivered by the incoming chief of the defence force, who spoke about the grief of those who have lost loved ones in service. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended a dawn service at the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, paying tribute to the Australian and Papuan infantry who fought there in World War II.

Thousands more attended services in cities and towns across the country, including Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. The Melbourne service paid special tribute to the 70,000 Australians who have served as peacekeepers, with veterans of peacekeeping operations leading the commemorative march for the first time. "This year's theme is Peacekeeping, recognizing the 70,000 Australians who have served as peacekeepers," a spokesperson said.

In New Zealand, dawn services were held in various locations, including Tauranga, Pāpāmoa, Katikati, and Ōmokoroa, where thousands gathered to remember the sacrifices of Kiwi soldiers, particularly from World War I. The Anzac Day service in Wellington was attended by Air Marshal Kevin Short, the outgoing Chief of Defence Force, and General Angus Campbell, the Australian Defence Force counterpart.

Why this matters: Anzac Day is an important day of national collective remembrance for Australia and New Zealand, honoring the service and sacrifice of all military personnel who have served the countries' interests over the years. More than 30,000 New Zealanders have been killed in wars and conflicts since 1915, and the day serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost of war.

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Key Takeaways

• Massive crowds attended Anzac Day 2024 dawn services in Australia and NZ.
• Over 32,000 people attended the National Dawn Service in Canberra, Australia.
• Melbourne service paid tribute to 70,000 Australians who served as peacekeepers.
• Thousands gathered at dawn services across NZ to honor Kiwi soldiers.
• Anzac Day is a day of national collective remembrance in Australia and NZ.