Boos spark outrage during welcome to country at dawn service
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As the first light of dawn stretched across the Australian sky, thousands gathered in solemn remembrance of a day etched into the national consciousness.
This year, ANZAC Day services were particularly poignant as Australians reflected on the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.
This campaign has come to symbolise the courage and sacrifice of the nation's soldiers.
The Dawn Services, a tradition that brings together communities in the quiet, reflective morning hours, were attended by people of all ages, from veterans adorned with medals to young children learning about the legacy of the ANZACs for the first time.
These services took place at memorials, cenotaphs, and shrines across the country, from the bustling cities to the quietest rural towns, each a testament to the enduring spirit of remembrance.
In Melbourne, the Dawn Service was marred by an unfortunate incident involving a known neo-Nazi who reportedly led the booing during an Indigenous elder’s Welcome to Country.
This disrespectful act was met with widespread condemnation from political leaders and the public alike.
Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allen expressed her disappointment, emphasising that such behaviour dishonours the memory of those who fought and died for the values we hold dear.
'To pierce the sombre silence and to pierce the solemnity of the Dawn Service isn’t just disrespectful, it dishonours the very thing that the men and women who fought and lost their lives [are] about,'
'It’s beyond disappointing and again, runs counter to why we gather at the Shrine at dawn.'
Victoria Police are investigating the incident, and the broader community has rallied to reaffirm their commitment to inclusivity and respect.
Despite this disruption, most attendees at services nationwide honoured the solemnity of the occasion.
In Sydney, wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, and both English and traditional Maori hymns were sung, reflecting the shared history of Australia and New Zealand in the ANZAC legend.
The Governor-General Sam Mostyn attended Melbourne’s Dawn Service, laying a wreath on behalf of the people of Victoria, while in Brisbane, the Shrine of Remembrance drew crowds who came to pay their respects.
The Australian War Memorial in Canberra hosted the National Dawn Service, which saw a turnout of 25,000 people.
An isolated outburst of 'Free Palestine' was quickly countered by the crowd, but the service otherwise proceeded with the dignity and gravity befitting the occasion.
The Memorial's director, Matthew Anderson, spoke of the pride in hosting the service, especially after the recent upgrades to the parade ground.
ANZAC Day, falling on April 25 each year commemorates the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) on the Gallipoli peninsula in 1915.
The campaign was marked by fierce combat and heavy losses, with over 8,000 Australian soldiers making the ultimate sacrifice.
Though the military objectives were not achieved, the ANZACs' display of bravery, ingenuity, endurance, and mateship has become a cornerstone of the Australian identity.
Today, ANZAC Day has evolved to honour all Australians who have served and died in military operations.
It is a day of national unity, reflection, and gratitude for the freedoms and way of life that have been protected through the sacrifices of the armed forces.
Political campaigning was put on hold as leaders from both sides attended commemorative events.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton both participated in services, with Mr Albanese speaking at the Australian War Memorial and Mr Dutton attending a service in his electorate of Dickson.
'Our diggers fought against the Nazis. That this movement, the neo-Nazis, has any presence in our country at all is just an outrage and a disgrace,' he said.
As the day progressed, marches and other commemorative events took place, with the community coming together to share stories, lay wreaths, and observe moments of silence.
The ANZAC spirit, characterised by resilience and camaraderie, was palpable as Australians stood shoulder to shoulder, united in gratitude and remembrance.
Credit: YouTube
How did you commemorate this significant anniversary? What does the ANZAC spirit mean to you, and how do you see it reflected in today's Australia? Your stories and reflections are a valuable part of our collective history, and we look forward to hearing from you in the comments below.
This year, ANZAC Day services were particularly poignant as Australians reflected on the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.
This campaign has come to symbolise the courage and sacrifice of the nation's soldiers.
The Dawn Services, a tradition that brings together communities in the quiet, reflective morning hours, were attended by people of all ages, from veterans adorned with medals to young children learning about the legacy of the ANZACs for the first time.
These services took place at memorials, cenotaphs, and shrines across the country, from the bustling cities to the quietest rural towns, each a testament to the enduring spirit of remembrance.
In Melbourne, the Dawn Service was marred by an unfortunate incident involving a known neo-Nazi who reportedly led the booing during an Indigenous elder’s Welcome to Country.
Booing that disrupted an Indigenous elder's Welcome to Country at an ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Melbourne was reportedly led by a known neo-Nazi. Credit: Janice Chen / iStock
This disrespectful act was met with widespread condemnation from political leaders and the public alike.
Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allen expressed her disappointment, emphasising that such behaviour dishonours the memory of those who fought and died for the values we hold dear.
'To pierce the sombre silence and to pierce the solemnity of the Dawn Service isn’t just disrespectful, it dishonours the very thing that the men and women who fought and lost their lives [are] about,'
'It’s beyond disappointing and again, runs counter to why we gather at the Shrine at dawn.'
Victoria Police are investigating the incident, and the broader community has rallied to reaffirm their commitment to inclusivity and respect.
Despite this disruption, most attendees at services nationwide honoured the solemnity of the occasion.
In Sydney, wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, and both English and traditional Maori hymns were sung, reflecting the shared history of Australia and New Zealand in the ANZAC legend.
The Governor-General Sam Mostyn attended Melbourne’s Dawn Service, laying a wreath on behalf of the people of Victoria, while in Brisbane, the Shrine of Remembrance drew crowds who came to pay their respects.
The Australian War Memorial in Canberra hosted the National Dawn Service, which saw a turnout of 25,000 people.
An isolated outburst of 'Free Palestine' was quickly countered by the crowd, but the service otherwise proceeded with the dignity and gravity befitting the occasion.
The Memorial's director, Matthew Anderson, spoke of the pride in hosting the service, especially after the recent upgrades to the parade ground.
ANZAC Day, falling on April 25 each year commemorates the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) on the Gallipoli peninsula in 1915.
The campaign was marked by fierce combat and heavy losses, with over 8,000 Australian soldiers making the ultimate sacrifice.
Though the military objectives were not achieved, the ANZACs' display of bravery, ingenuity, endurance, and mateship has become a cornerstone of the Australian identity.
Today, ANZAC Day has evolved to honour all Australians who have served and died in military operations.
It is a day of national unity, reflection, and gratitude for the freedoms and way of life that have been protected through the sacrifices of the armed forces.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton both participated in services, with Mr Albanese speaking at the Australian War Memorial and Mr Dutton attending a service in his electorate of Dickson.
'Our diggers fought against the Nazis. That this movement, the neo-Nazis, has any presence in our country at all is just an outrage and a disgrace,' he said.
As the day progressed, marches and other commemorative events took place, with the community coming together to share stories, lay wreaths, and observe moments of silence.
The ANZAC spirit, characterised by resilience and camaraderie, was palpable as Australians stood shoulder to shoulder, united in gratitude and remembrance.
Credit: YouTube
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