Media Room: Media Releases

FUTURE LEADERS OF THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE SALUTE THE ANZACS

Navy Midshipmen and Army and Air Force Officer Cadets from the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) will commemorate this year’s ANZAC Day by participating in a range of activities throughout the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and New South Wales (NSW).

To celebrate the ANZAC spirit, close to 1,000 ADFA Midshipmen, Officer Cadets and military staff will gather at the Australian War Memorial for the Dawn Service, after partaking in a "gunfire" breakfast consisting of a tot of rum and ANZAC biscuits.

"The participation of ADFA Midshipmen and Officer Cadets shows that the ANZAC spirit forged by our forefathers at Gallipoli in 1915 has been handed down to their succeeding generations," said Air Commodore Julie Hammer, Commandant, Australian Defence Force Academy.

ADFA will provide a Catafalque Party for the Dawn Service and ANZAC Day Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, as well as the Ensign Party at the National ANZAC Day Mass at St Christopher’s Cathedral, Manuka commencing at 8:15am.

The ADFA band, made up of over 40 Midshipmen and Officer Cadets, will provide the music for the Dawn Service and ANZAC Day Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, supported by some members of the Royal Military College Duntroon Band.

ADFA Midshipmen, Officer Cadets and military staff will also travel to various other locations, including Merimbula, Pambula, Bungendore, Narrandera and Narooma, to participate in their Dawn Services and Marches. They will display their high-level drill and ceremonial skills through fulfilling a range of roles, such as providing Catafalque Parties for memorial services or acting as flag bearers.

"Some of the original ANZACS were younger than these future leaders of the Australian Defence Force are today. We honour those who have served our country in war and are very proud of the ANZAC tradition and of our national identity," said Air Commodore Hammer.

Media interested in interviewing ADFA Midshipmen and Officer Cadets involved in this year’s official and smaller ANZAC Day activities throughout the ACT and NSW should contact Jo Button on 0411 403 489.