Commemorate ANZAC Day 2015 in Canberra

Saturday April 25 2015 marks the 100th Anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The spirit of ANZAC goes beyond the landing on Gallipoli in 1915 – it is about celebrating courage, mateship, and sacrifice. These values continue to bring meaning and relevance to our community and shape Australia’s national identity even up to this day.

The Australian War Memorial will be commemorating the 100th anniversary of the National ANZAC ceremony – this year, the Centenary commemoration is expected to be the largest to date held at the Memorial and the focal point of Australia’s ANZAC Day commemoration.

ANZAC Day Service and Events

The Australian War Memorial in close cooperation with the Returned and Services League of Australia ACT will be hosting the following events over the ANZAC Day weekend:

1) The Dawn Service
Australian War Memorial

The Dawn Service is a standing ceremony conducted in the dark prior to sunrise and accordingly the weather is likely to be cold. As there will be a significant number of visitors expected, patrons are encouraged to leave plenty of time and travel safely to the memorial.

Schedule

4:30am: Three 15 minute excerpts read from letters and diaries of Australians who experienced war firsthand

5:15am: Silence before the Dawn Service commences in darkness

5:30am: Dawn Service commences

6:00am (approx): Dawn Service concludes

6:15am: Commemorative area opens

8:00am: Commemorative area and the Hall of Memory closes

For further information on the Dawn Service, please click here.

2) The National Ceremony
Australian War Memorial

The National Ceremony commences with the National Anthem, Commemorative Address, laying of wreaths, hymns, sounding of The Last Post and observance of one minute’s silence. The Commemorative Address will be delivered by the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Ret’d).

Schedule

9:00am: Ticket holders admitted to seating

10:15am: National Ceremony commences

10:45am: Veteran’s march commences

11:45am (approx): Veterans’ march concludes

12:30pm (approx): National Ceremony concludes

12:45pm (approx): Memorial Opens

Due to the increased demand, all reserved seats for the ANZAC Day National Ceremony have been allocated, however members of the public are still welcome to attend the ceremony and view it from outside the reserved seating or on one of the many large screens around the memorial grounds. For further information on the National Ceremony, please click here.

3) Last Post Ceremony
Australian War Memorial

To wrap up the day, the Memorial farewells visitors with its moving Last Post Ceremony, commencing at 4:55pm AEDT. The ceremony begins with the singing of the Australian National Anthem, followed by the poignant strains of a Lament, played by a piper. Visitors are welcome to lay wreaths and floral tributes beside the Pool of Reflection. For more information on the Last Post Ceremony, please click here.

Discover the National Portrait Gallery over ANZAC Weekend

As the proud hotel sponsor of the National Portrait Gallery, Crowne Plaza Canberra are pleased to support the Galley’s upcoming exhibition, All that Fall: Sacrifice, Life and Loss in the First World War.

This poignant exhibition presents a moving look into life during the First World War from the perspective of the Australian home front. Visitors will marvel at artworks, embroidery, artifacts and more, capturing the mood of Australians during wartime and the birth of the ANZAC legend.

Click here to find out more, and to enjoy a special accommodation offer for National Portrait Gallery patrons.