ANZAC Day
Commonwealth War Cemetary, Yokohama
25 April 2025
Today, on Anzac Day, we mark the 110th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli.
For over a century, Australians and New Zealanders have gathered on this day to remember the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers in that battle, and to acknowledge the service of men and women in uniform since that time.
Each generation finds new meaning in the Anzac experience.
Each year, we renew our vow to keep the flame of memory burning, so its glow touches the next generation and the generation after that.
At dawn on the 25th of April, 1915, the first soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army corps landed on the shores of the Gallipoli Peninsula in Türkiye.
It became a day of confusion and fear, yet in the face of unimaginable hardship, our fighters stood firm.
They looked out for one another.
They showed courage, endurance, and resilience.
Though the campaign ended in failure, the legacy of the Anzacs was just beginning.
From the trenches of the western front to conflicts in Asia, from peacekeeping missions to humanitarian assistance missions, Australians and New Zealanders have continued to serve their countries with honour and distinction.
For our nations at that time, both with small populations, the Gallipoli, western front and Palestine campaigns had a devastating impact.
Yet, despite the defeat at Gallipoli and the immense burden and the grief of war, our nations have prospered.
On this day, we honour also, not just those who fought at Gallipoli, but every Australian and New Zealander who has worn their nation's uniform and served their country.
Service originally for empire, now to protect our democracies and to help ensure a world that lives in peace and freedom.
We also remember the families who waited, who worried, and who carried on despite uncertainty and loss.
Their sacrifices are a part of this legacy, too.
As we pause for a moment of silence today, we remember the fallen.
We try to imagine how precious life must have seemed to them.
We are humbled by their sacrifice. We are humbled by their courage, and we are daunted by their example.
We pay our respects today and we commit ourselves to carrying on their legacy of service to our nations.
Lest we forget.