Every year, on the 25th of April, Australians pause to reflect on the extraordinary courage and enduring sacrifice of the nation’s servicemen and women. ANZAC Day 2025 was no exception. Across the country, from bustling cities to quiet rural towns, Australians came together to commemorate one of the most sacred days on the national calendar with dawn services, parades, and moments of silence.
This year’s ANZAC Day carried added weight, as it marked the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings in 1915. The somber morning light bathed thousands of faces gathered at war memorials, cenotaphs, and local RSL clubs, where heartfelt speeches, recitations of “The Ode,” and the haunting call of the bugle filled the air.
A Nation United in Remembrance
The phrase “Lest We Forget” echoed across the country as tens of thousands attended dawn services, even more tuning in via live broadcasts and community radio. From the Australian War Memorial in Canberra to local memorials in Darwin, Adelaide, and rural towns in Queensland, the spirit of ANZAC was felt everywhere.
In Sydney, Governor-General David Hurley led the national ceremony alongside veterans, active defence members, and community leaders. Speaking to a silent and attentive crowd, he reminded the nation of the importance of honouring the past while shaping a peaceful future.
“ANZAC Day 2025 reminds us that bravery and sacrifice are not merely relics of history—they are the foundation of our values today,” Hurley said.
Dawn Services Resonate Across Generations
For many, the most moving part of ANZAC Day is the dawn service—a tradition inspired by the pre-dawn landing of ANZAC troops on the beaches of Gallipoli. In Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance, a sea of candles and wreaths surrounded the forecourt as attendees stood silently at first light. A new generation of Australians stood shoulder-to-shoulder with veterans, many of them attending their very first ANZAC Day service.
Young people are increasingly engaging in the national tradition, with schools, scout groups, and community clubs participating in the commemorations. In several cities, students read poems and letters written by World War I soldiers, ensuring that their words continue to resonate.
Marches and Community Gatherings
Following the dawn services, traditional ANZAC Day marches took place throughout the day. Veterans, some walking proudly, others in wheelchairs, were joined by family members wearing medals in honour of those who served. Communities lined the streets in support, applauding the parade participants with heartfelt admiration.
In Brisbane, the ANZAC Day Parade down Adelaide Street was one of the largest in recent years, featuring returned service personnel from recent conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as a tribute unit representing Indigenous Australians who served in past wars.
Modern Reflections on ANZAC Values
ANZAC Day 2025 also became a moment for reflection on the evolving role of Australia’s military and the ongoing need to care for veterans. Mental health support, veteran homelessness, and defence family welfare were central themes in several speeches during the services.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking from the national ceremony in Canberra, acknowledged the debt owed to those who have served—and the responsibilities that continue beyond the battlefield.
“Today, we stand in the quiet shadow of great courage. But tomorrow and every day after, we must support our veterans with the same loyalty they showed this country,” he said.
Cultural Traditions and Local Observances
In regional Australia, ANZAC Day takes on unique local flavours. In towns like Wagga Wagga, Alice Springs, and Geraldton, families gathered for local breakfasts, memorial walks, and fundraising events for veterans’ organisations. In coastal communities, commemorations often included services held on beaches at sunrise, symbolising the Gallipoli landings.
Some communities revived the practice of lighting candles in windows during the evening, a gesture that began during the COVID-19 pandemic when public services were restricted. The sight of soft flickering lights across neighbourhoods added a poignant final note to a day of deep national meaning.
Conclusion: A Day of Unity and Honour
ANZAC Day 2025 was not just a time to look back on a century of military history; it was a living demonstration of national unity and remembrance. As Australians across generations, backgrounds, and beliefs joined together in silent reflection and public ceremony, they reaffirmed a collective promise: to never forget the sacrifices of those who served.
From Gallipoli to modern-day missions, ANZAC Day continues to bridge the past and the present, reminding Australians of the values of courage, mateship, endurance, and sacrifice that define their national character.
