Thousands gathered at the Hobart Cenotaph before dawn on Saturday to mark 111 years since Australian and New Zealand troops landed at Gallipoli.
The service, one of many across the state, was led by Richard Humphrey, Dean of Hobart at St David’s Cathedral, on behalf of the Hobart RSL sub-branch.
Lieutenant General Natasha Fox attended representing the Chief of Defence Force.
Humphrey welcomed the crowd in the still of dawn and said the service was one of pride and gratitude.
“We are gathered this morning remembering with pride and gratitude those who served and those who died for our nation in times of conflict to secure the freedom and peace we enjoy,” he said.
This year’s service gave particular focus to women in uniform.
Humphrey said nearly 3,000 Australian women had enlisted as nurses in World War I and that women now made up around 20% of the ADF.
The catafalque party mounted before a long remembrance that named those who died at Gallipoli, Villers-Bretonneux, the Libyan Desert, Greece, Crete, Malaya, Burma, New Guinea, Korea, Vietnam, Somalia, East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq.
Singers from St Mary’s and a soloist from the Army Band Tasmania performed the hymn God of Our Fathers, Known of Old.
Fahan School head girl Zara Bury delivered the main address and said Anzac Day was about more than a single battle.
“It’s about recognising those who have served and continue to serve, protecting the freedoms we often take for granted,” she said.
“This feels especially important this year with the conflict in the Middle East.”
She reflected on the young age of the Gallipoli soldiers.
“Many of them not much older than I am now. They faced unimaginable challenges, yet showed extraordinary bravery,” Bury said.
Hobart RSL sub-branch president Kieran Lennard recited the Ode.
“They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn,” Lennard said.
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”
The Last Post followed, after which the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia were played.
A parade along Elizabeth Street and a commemorative service at the Cenotaph will follow from 11am, with a RAAF fly past at midday.
