Anzac dawn's unfading glow

From the shores of Gallipoli to the sands of the Middle East and cities throughout the nation, at the first streaks of dawn on April 25 gatherings large and small paid tribute to those who have served their country at times of conflict.

As a sign of support for those serving overseas in Iraq, East Timor and Bougainville – along with those who had served in the past – Anzac Day services across Australia attracted some of the largest crowds on record.

Coalition partners in Iraq also demonstrated their solidarity when they took part in a dawn service alongside Royal Australian Air Force personnel at an air base in the Middle East. The event ended with a flypast of F/A-18 Hornets in a traditional “missing man” formation.

Air Vice-Marshal John Kindler told those at the dawn service at Sydney’s Martin Place Cenotaph that “on Aril 25, 1915, we were at war. On April 25, 2003, we are at war.” In making the principal address, AVM Kindler said “we salute the spirit of Australians and the memory of the Anzacs”.

In Dili, East Timor, under the open arms of the Jesus statue, Australian, New Zealand and other forces involved in the UN peacekeeping operation came together with Turkey being represented by the Turkish Police Acting Contingent Commander Yakup Palta.

Air Force Sergeant Katarina Babic was proud to be part of the catafalque party at the dawn service.
“It was great and we had a Kiwi soldier on the party with us. With all of the other nations in attendance it was fantastic,” she said.

It was truly a day to remember.

	Nation remembers ... Australia's Federation Guard provides a Royal Guard in support of Anzac Day Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Thirty-two airmen and airwomen participated in the service with the Federation Guard. Photo by LAC Euan Grant
	Displaying the banner ... No. 26 (City of Newcastle) Squadron members march through the city during the traditional parade. Photo by CPL Mark Eaton
	Out in force ... Personnel from No. 76 Squadron Aircraft Maintenance Flight at RAAF Williamtown and Air Commodore John Quaife, Commander Air Combat Group, mark the special day. Photo by CPL Mark Eaton
	We salute you ... Air Force veterans step out proudly during the Anzac Day procession in Adelaide. Photo by SGT Paul Mensch
	Reminders of the day ... military ribbons and medals among the sand of Gallipoli's shores. Photo by (WO2) Gary Ramage
	A C-130 Hercules carrying personnel from No. 86 Wing and No. 3 Combat Support Hospital returning from Bali in the wake of the bomb attacks touches down at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo by LAC Col Dadd
	Solemn duty ... Corporal Leanne Jenner rests on arms in the pre-dawn during commemorations at the Middle Eastern air force base. Photo by CPL Darren Hilder
	Standing together ... Australian and British troops form the catafalque party as US airmen stand to the flags at Anzac Day commemorations. The service conducted at dawn featured an address by Wing Commander William Henman and ended with a flyover of the Air Force’s F/A-18 Hornets. Photo by CPL Darren Hilder
	The eyes have it ... No. 24 (City of Adelaide) Squadron personnel parade along Adelaide’s King William Street. Photo by SGT Paul Mensch

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