Anzac Day services return in full capacity

Maeve Bannister | April 25, 2022

More than a century after Australian and New Zealand forces made their first landing at Gallipoli, Australians will gather to pay tribute to servicemen and women. 

Commemorations for the 107th anniversary of the Anzac landing will be held across the country, in some states for the first time since 2019 as COVID restrictions impacted crowd numbers in recent years. 

It will also be the first Anzac Day since forces withdrew from Afghanistan, where 41 Australians died in service.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Andrew Gee said the number of lives saved and terrorist attacks prevented by Australian defence personnel could never be known.    

But what is known is that they improved medical services, built critical infrastructure and helped a generation of women and girls access education and build careers, Mr Gee said. 

“The men and women who’ve served our nation through the generations have never asked for much in return,” he said in a statement.

“In the end it comes down to one thing: that we never forget what they have done for us. That we keep their memory alive in our hearts and in the consciousness of our nation. 

“That sacred duty of remembrance currently rests with our generation and it is a commitment that we will in turn pass onto the next.” 

In Canberra, eased restrictions mean a return of the full veterans’ march for the first time in three years. 

The RSL ACT branch has 41 contingents registered for the march, equal to between 850 and 900 marchers.

ACT RSL president John King told AAP that while the numbers are less than they were pre-pandemic, it may be due to senior veterans staying away out of caution or travelling interstate to attend reunions they’ve missed for some time.

Mr King will lead the march alongside Colonel James Kaio from the New Zealand army and 99-year-old veteran Les Cook. 

Governor-General David Hurley will deliver an address to the nation from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra following the march. 

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Anzac Day commemorations at the memorial.

Federal election campaigning will take a back seat to Anzac Day commemorations.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor deputy leader Richard Marles will be in Darwin for services, as Labor leader Anthony Albanese remains in isolation at his Sydney home as he recovers from COVID-19.

Overseas, Anzac services will take place in Turkey, France, Thailand, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. 

“No matter how you mark Anzac Day this year – at a dawn service, at your own home, at your local RSL, or watching the national service on television – I encourage all Australians to pause and reflect on all those who have served, and those who continue to serve,” Mr Gee said.