As Anzac Day approaches, communities across Australia, New Zealand, and even Scotland are preparing to honor the sacrifices made by their servicemen and women during the Gallipoli campaign and other conflicts. This year marks the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, a significant event in both Australian and New Zealand history, and various commemorative services are scheduled to take place on Friday, April 25, 2025.
In Australia, the day will begin with a series of dawn services, starting in Digby at Memorial Park, located at the corner of Clark Street and Simpson Street. The traditional Dawn Service will be followed by a gunfire breakfast, providing an opportunity for attendees to gather and reflect on the day’s significance. North of Casterton, Dergholm will host its dawn service at the Dergholm Soldiers Memorial Hall at 6 AM, also followed by a gunfire breakfast, with a gold coin donation requested.
In Casterton, the service at the Henty Street Cenotaph is scheduled for 10 AM, during which several streets will be closed to accommodate the event. This will be followed by a march from the RSL rooms at the corner of Henty and McKinley Streets to the town hall for a service and morning tea. Local residents are encouraged to participate and lay wreaths, with arrangements being coordinated by Andrea Polderman at 0428 883 248.
Merino Digby Lions will hold their commemorative service at the Cenotaph from 1:30 PM, featuring special guest Debby Gower, followed by afternoon tea. Meanwhile, the Lions Club of Dartmoor will host their march and service starting at 10:30 AM, inviting participants to gather at the Dartmoor Hotel by 10:15 AM. Fran Jones will serve as the guest speaker, and attendees are asked to bring a plate to share for refreshments afterward.
In Harrow, the service will commence at 10:30 AM at the Harrow RSL Hall, leading into an 11 AM march past with veterans and community members. Guest speaker David Hobbs will precede the wreath-laying ceremony, with morning tea and refreshments available afterward.
Apsley will also join the commemorations, with residents gathering at the war memorial near the post office at 10:45 AM before marching to the Apsley Town Hall for a service at 11 AM. Julie Bruce will address attendees at the hall before wreath laying, and a light lunch will be provided at the RSL Hall.
As part of the broader coverage of Anzac Day, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) will provide extensive live broadcasts starting with the dawn services from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and Martin Place in Sydney. Coverage will be available across multiple platforms, including ABC TV, ABC NEWS Channel, ABC radio, and ABC iview, ensuring that those unable to attend in person can still participate in the commemorative events.
The Anzac Day address by the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, will be broadcast nationally right before the 7 PM News. Special programming throughout the day includes an interview with 101-year-old Anzac Fighter Pilot Bill Purdy by Jeremy Fernandez, alongside updates from WWII historian Dr. Jeremy Austin.
Meanwhile, in Rotorua, New Zealand, the Te Arawa Māori Returned Services League Inc will lead the city's dawn service in Ōhinemutu from 5:45 AM. The Rotorua Lakes Council and the Rotorua RSA will host a parade and civic memorial service beginning at 8:50 AM, with Reverend Tom Poata officiating. This year's speakers will include former Royal New Zealand Air Force pilot Angela Swann-Cronin, who made history as the first Māori woman to become an air force pilot.
Swann-Cronin emphasized the importance of remembering those who sacrificed their lives, stating, "Anzac Day is always a solemn reminder of unnecessary suffering and loss in war and the combined contribution of New Zealand and Australia to the Gallipoli campaign." She expressed hope that recognition of service people will continue to be supported and appreciated in Aotearoa, focusing on a message of aroha rather than war.
In Scotland, veterans and their families will gather at dawn for an international remembrance service at Comely Bank Cemetery at 5 AM, led by Rev Dr. Karen Campbell. This service will coincide with the Glasgow Dawn Service at the Western Necropolis, both honoring the sacrifices made during the Gallipoli campaign.
Later in the day, Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and representatives from various governments will participate in the Gallipoli Day Service at the Scottish National War Memorial inside Edinburgh Castle. This service will also be open to the public, emphasizing the importance of remembrance across nations.
The Gallipoli campaign, which began on April 25, 1915, resulted in significant loss of life, with approximately 130,000 soldiers killed and nearly half a million wounded. The casualties from this campaign highlight the sacrifices made by soldiers from Australia, New Zealand, and other allied nations.
As communities gather to pay their respects, the spirit of Anzac Day remains a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of those who served. The day serves not only to honor the past but also to foster a sense of unity and remembrance among current and future generations.
