WA remembers the ANZACs

ANZAC Day 2010 was commemorated in the UK and Europe with dawn services in London, France and ANZAC Cove in Turkey. Agent General Kerry Sanderson AO joined in the Anzac Day commemorative services in Villers-Bretonneux where “a very moving” dawn service attended by around 3000 people was held at the Australian National Memorial. A number of wreaths were laid at the service including one laid by Kerry Sanderson on behalf of the government and people of Western Australia.

The Hon Stephen Smith MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs addressed the crowd that had gathered pre-dawn and traveled many miles to get there. This included the Sydney Boys’ High School Concert Band who provided music at the dawn service. Wreath laying services were also held at Bullencourt (a town adjacent to the battlefields where many Australians fell during the First World War) and Petite Croix Monument (which commemorates those who died on the adjacent battleground and who have no known grave) as well as the Australian ‘Digger’ Memorial.

Agent General Ms Sanderson AO said it is clear from the extent of the arrangements made in France for the commemoration and the very obvious appreciation and support of the French people that they are aware of the extent of the sacrifice made by Australian soldiers. She said they worked hard to ensure the commemoration was memorable and joined us in the remembrance ceremonies and provided hospitality after the events.

“It was very moving to see that the sacrifice of our soldiers are remembered by both countries.” As reflected in the Ode of Remembrance:

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

In London, commemorative wreaths were also laid at services held at the Whitehall Cenotaph and Westminster Abbey. In Perth more than 40,000 people at the State War Memorial in Kings Park at dawn.