By Andrew Brown in Canberra

THOUSANDS have gathered to commemorate the contribution of Australian defence personnel at Anzac Day dawn services across the country.

Events have been held in major cities, suburban centres and country towns honouring men and women who served in past conflicts and those serving today.

At the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led tributes on the 108th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings during World War I.

“Every Anzac Day, from the greatest memorial to the simplest cenotaph, we honour all who have served in our name and all who serve today,” he said.

“It is a collective act of remembrance, reflection and gratitude – one carried out by multiple generations of Australians and devoted to multiple generations.”

The Canberra dawn service started with the sounds of a didgeridoo played by Sub-Lieut Jordon Bradshaw, permeating the silence in front of the more than 30,000 attendees.

Wreaths were laid in commemoration by Governor-General David Hurley and NZ High Commissioner Annette King.

Ceremonial lanterns, which were placed in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Monday evening, were carried by veterans and serving members into the war memorial as the reveille was played by a lone bugler.

Mr Albanese said it was important to remember the contribution of defence personnel who did not make it home.

“As we gather here, in towns and suburbs across the country, and in former battlefields across the world, we are surrounded by their names and the places that made their final claim on them, laid out in an atlas of grief,” he said.

“If we are to truly honour our veterans, we owe them something more than just gratitude. Just as they stepped for us, we must step up for them,” he said.

The prime minister said it was also important to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who donned the khaki “fought harder for Australia than Australia was sometimes willing to fight for them”.

The governor-general led tributes during the Anzac Day march at the memorial, while also marching alongside his former battalion, in which he served during peacekeeping efforts in Somalia as part of Operation Solace

This year marks 30 years since Australian forces took part in the operation in Somalia, with 120 of those veterans marching in Canberra commemorations.

More than 1000 veterans took part in the event and Mr Hurley said all were linked by the experience of serving together.

“The mix of feelings I have today would be common to all veterans: the pleasure of seeing old friends and colleagues… and the shared and private moments of reflection on our service and of those no longer with us,” he said.

“On Anzac Day, we come together to honour those who have served, those who continue to serve, and the families that support them.”

This year marks 50 years since the end of Australian involvement during the Vietnam War, during which more than 500 Australians died and more than 3000 were injured.

“We owe a debt to those who have served our nation and to their families. We particularly note the service of Vietnam and Somalia veterans today,” Mr Hurley said.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said Anzac Day was one of the most meaningful dates on the national calendar.

“The values for which we stand are more enduring than any conflict, as long as we have – like our forebears – the courage and commitment to defend them always,” he said.

Services will also take place to mark Anzac Day in France, Papua New Guinea and Turkey.

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