Thousands have gathered in pre-dawn darkness at ANZAC Day dawn services across Tasmania today to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.
At Hobart’s Cenotaph, a solemn crowd assembled as Governor Barbara Baker read the requiem with Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers in attendance.
“We remember the ongoing human cost of war to all nations. We honour them, giving thanks for the peace they gave their lives for, and may we follow their path of service,” Baker said.
Anglican Dean of Hobart Richard Humphrey highlighted modern conflicts, urging attendees to remain committed to peace.
“We gather aware of a wider history of violence in our world, in our country, and in our state,” he said.
“Further news from Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, and live firing in our own waters reminds us that we need to be calling for and vigilant in the cause of peace.”
The ceremony included the traditional Last Post, with respectful silence observed by the crowd.
Elizabeth College student Lachlan Monk, 17, remembered his four great grandfathers who all served in the Second World War.
He shared the remarkable survival story of one, who was one of just 13 Tasmanian survivors from Australia’s Lark Force in Papua New Guinea.
“Dan’s survival is a testament to the indomitable spirit of our species and an embodiment of the Anzac legend,” Monk told the gathering.
“Without him, and without the sacrifice of the countless Australians and New Zealanders who served alongside him in New Guinea in the Second World War, who served before him in Turkey and Europe in the First World War, and after him in Korea, in Vietnam, and in the Middle East, I would not be here and many of you would not be here.”
