Thousands gather to pay their respects at the Australian War Memorial

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Australians have come together to mark Anzac Day sharing stories of sacrifice and messages of unity. It's been 110 years since Australian and New Zealand troops landed at Gallipoli during the first World War. More than 100 thousand Australians have died in conflicts since. In Canberra thousands flocked to the Australian War Memorial to pay tribute to those who've served their country.

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00:01Familiar notes, as powerful as ever.

00:10In the pre-dawn dark, a 26,000 strong crowd honouring the fallen.

00:17We feel them still near us in spirit.

00:21We wish to be worthy of their great sacrifice.

00:25A hundred and ten years after the Gallipoli landings, Canberrans stop to reflect.

00:32The culture of service is, and always has been, the beating heart of our national identity.

00:39But not all service has made the history books.

00:45A smaller ceremony recognised the role of First Nations veterans.

00:49They served at a time when they weren't welcome in Australia.

00:53They served equally and fairly within the Army and within the Defence Force.

00:57Then they came back and they were neglected and forgotten.

01:01All walks of life took part in the Veterans March.

01:05Leading the procession, the Signals Corps, marking 100 years of service.

01:10The Signals community really is the glue that holds everything together.

01:15We work behind the scenes.

01:17It's really special today for us to be recognised for what we do and what we've done over a century.

01:22For some, taking part had extra meaning this year.

01:26I've just come out of hospital from a pacemaker operation and they all promised me they'd make this march.

01:32People have travelled from across the country to attend the commemorations here in the nation's capital.

01:39It's the first time since 2021 the dawn service has been held back on the parade ground after major renovations at the War Memorial.

01:48It's really important to get that tradition going for us, in particular for our age and the next generation as well.

01:54I have these medals from my pa, who was my dad's dad. He served in the Korean War.

02:01Sacrifices aren't all made on the battlefield.

02:05Major Angela Uphill lost her veteran husband to suicide in 2021.

02:11Our children were just four and six years old.

02:15This was not the life we had planned.

02:18But we who are left behind must learn to carry our grief.

02:23And carry the memories of those who never came home.

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