Thousands of people in Australia and New Zealand celebrated Anzac Day on Friday to pay tribute to military service members who lost their lives in wars.
Anzac stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
Historically, Anzac Day marked the unsuccessful campaign by both countries to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey in 1915, during World War I, which cost about 130,000 lives. However, nowadays, the day is dedicated to honoring all troops from Australia and New Zealand who have served in wars or conflicts.
Dawn Services and Commemorations
In Sydney, around 7,500 people gathered for a dawn service before the annual military veterans’ march, as reported by public broadcaster ABC. Similar services took place in Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Hobart.
“It’s now a century and a decade since the first Anzacs embarked on their journey, and yet we continue to unite in their honor and to remember all those who followed,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in his statement.
In New Zealand, a significant service was held in Wellington, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reflecting on the experience of walking in the footsteps of the ANZACS on X.
He attended Anzac Day events in Turkey, visiting the battlefields and cemeteries where approximately 2,800 New Zealand soldiers were killed.
King Charles III of Britain also paid respects to those who lost their lives during the campaign.
Heckling Incidents during Anzac Commemorations
In Melbourne, Indigenous man Mark Brown started the service by welcoming attendees to Indigenous Australian land. However, this ceremony was disrupted by hecklers who objected to this tradition and to mentions of Indigenous soldiers, shouting phrases such as “This is our country” and implying the welcome ceremony was not necessary.
“We’re commemorating soldiers who fought against hateful ideologies, and such behavior was completely disrespectful and unwelcome at Anzac Day events,” countered Veteran Affairs Minister Matt Keogh on ABC News, adding that a “known neo-Nazi” was responsible for the disruption.
A 26-year-old man was directed to leave the service by police and was later questioned. A similar disruption occurred in Perth.
Sean Sinico edited this article.
