On April 25, 2025, thousands of people across Australia and New Zealand gathered to commemorate Anzac Day, a national day of remembrance honoring military service members who fought and died during wartime. Originally established to mark the ill-fated campaign of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) at Gallipoli during World War I, Anzac Day now serves to honor all troops from both nations who have served in conflicts.
In Sydney, approximately 7,500 attendees participated in a dawn service before the annual march of military veterans, as reported by the ABC. "It is now a century and a decade since the first Anzacs climbed into their boats and rowed into history. The years come and go, and still we come together to honor them and all who have followed," stated Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Meanwhile, in New Zealand, a large service took place in Wellington, where Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed his sentiments about the day. "Nothing in my life has been quite as humbling and moving as walking in the footsteps of the ANZACs," he shared on social media, reflecting on his recent tour of battlefields and cemeteries in Turkey where around 2,800 New Zealand soldiers were killed.
Across the globe, Britain's King Charles III also paid tribute to the fallen during the Gallipoli campaign, which resulted in approximately 130,000 deaths. His message emphasized the indomitable spirit of ANZAC, which has been forged in conflict and preserved in peace.
However, not all events went smoothly. In Melbourne, a service was disrupted by hecklers who shouted, "This is our country" and "we don't have to be welcomed," targeting mentions of Indigenous soldiers during the ceremony. Veteran Affairs Minister Matt Keogh condemned the disruption, labeling it as disrespectful and confirming that a known neo-Nazi was escorted from the event by police.
Similar disturbances were reported in Perth, where police also intervened. Despite these incidents, the day remained a significant occasion for remembrance and reflection.
Commemoration services were held in major cities including Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Hobart, with one of the largest gatherings occurring at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, where over 26,000 people attended. The Melbourne service, despite the disruptions, continued to draw attention for its importance in honoring the sacrifices made by service members.
In Glasgow, a separate service was organized by the Commonwealth War Graves Committee at the Glasgow Western Necropolis. This event, held at around 5 a.m., aimed to honor the Australians buried there from World War I. Sehar Sardar, who organized the event, expressed gratitude to all attendees and supporters.
In London, a dawn service was held at the Australian War Memorial at Hyde Park Corner, attended by Stephen Smith, Australia’s High Commissioner, and Chris Seed, acting High Commissioner for New Zealand. The Duchess of Edinburgh was also present, honoring the fallen with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph.
Since 1916, Anzac Day has been commemorated in London, marking the anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli. The Princess Royal was in Turkey to represent the King, marking the 110th anniversary of the landings. During a service at Turkey’s Canakkale Martyrs’ Memorial, she conveyed King Charles's special thoughts and prayers, emphasizing the friendships and alliances formed from the tragic events at Gallipoli.
Throughout the day, memorials were held not only in Australia and New Zealand but also at significant sites in Turkey, France, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, and Malaysia, where many Australians and New Zealanders traveled to participate in the commemorations.
Peter Dutton, leader of the conservative National-Liberal coalition and Albanese's main opponent in the upcoming Australian general election, acknowledged the significance of the day. He stated, "Friday's services pay tribute to the more than 103,000 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation."
As the sun set on Anzac Day, the reflections of the day resonated deeply with many. The events served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and the ongoing commitment to honor their legacy.
In summary, Anzac Day 2025 was marked by a blend of solemn remembrance, tributes, and a few disruptions that highlighted the ongoing conversations about national identity and history. It remains a critical occasion for Australians and New Zealanders to come together, reflect on their shared past, and honor those who served.
