“It fills me with pride that so many people have come to commemorate Anzac Day, on this most significant national occasion, at the Australian War Memorial,”  said Dr Brendan Nelson, director of the Australian War Memorial.

“One hundred years after the landing on Gallipoli, this day resonates deeply with Australians young and old and it is heartening to see so many people at the Memorial and in other services around the country.

“Despite this focus on the Centenary of the Gallipoli landing, it’s important to also remember the commitment and sacrifices of all our servicemen and servicewomen in conflicts since the First World War, and those who continue to serve today.”

For the third year in a row, images of Australian soldiers and service women were projected onto the front façade of the Memorial before the Dawn Service. The pre-dawn service activity also featured a series of readings by Australian service men and women, including Victoria Cross recipient Dan Keighran.

The Dawn Service commenced with an indigenous naval rating, Alan Patterson, playing the didgeridoo from the parapet of the memorial.