Media Room: Media Releases

Thousands of Australian soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen today marked Anzac Day in locations far and wide around the globe.

Dawn Services, "gun fire" breakfasts and the odd game of two-up were the order of the day as today’s service personnel honoured not only the memory, but also the spirit of ANZAC.

The Australian Defence Force has a fine history of military service that dates back more than 100 years. The ethos and values of ANZAC remains the standard to which all current ADF personnel aspire. This spirit and standard of professional have been displayed over recent months by Army, Navy and Air Force personnel serving in the Middle East.

This morning, Defence Minister Senator Robert Hill, Chief of the Defence Force, General Peter Cosgrove and Secretary of Defence Mr Ric Smith commemorated ANZAC Day with the crew of HMAS Kanimbla, stationed in the Persian Gulf. While at Gallipoli, Chief of Army Lieutenant General Peter Leahy was joined by members of the Australian Federation Guard and Royal Military College – Duntroon Band, who provided support at the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove.

In other parts of the world including East Timor, Bosnia, Ethiopia and Eritrea, the Sinai and Bougainville, Anzac Day was commemorated with events including an Aussies versus Kiwis rugby match, bar-b-ques and other social activities.

For many ADF personnel, ANZAC Day holds a special significance, especially during their time away from home.

It is important for Australians to remember that the ADF has over 3500 personnel serving on operations around the world. We should remember them and be proud of their efforts in the name of global security.

Stills of the Dawn Services held in the Middle East, Gallipoli and East Timor are available on the Defence webiste:

Video footage will be available from the Federal Press Gallery in Canberra

For Further information: Emma Diffen 0414 345 741