ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATION

April 25th, 1915. The ANZACs for whom the day is named after, landed in the early morning on the shores of what became known as ANZAC Cove, in Gallipoli, Türkiye. The amphibious assault was launched, and a brutal battle ensued, as the Allied forces attempted to break through the lines of Turkish opposition forces. The ANZAC forces fought valiantly, yet this battle quickly became a stalemate, and remained that way through the rest of 1915, despite attempts such as the Battle of Lone Pine.

While the battles were not as successful as planned, these forces and the spirit they embodied created a ripple effect, whose effect spans generations including the present day. On April 25th each year, Australians and New Zealanders commemorate and remember the ANZAC spirit. These qualities such as mateship, courage and endurance are hallmarks of that day.

In 2026, 111 years on, ANZAC Day branches out to remember not just those who gave their lives in service of Australia and New Zealand all those years ago, but extends to all the servicemen and women of Australia who have and continue to serve domestically and internationally in times of peace and conflict. 

One of the ways we support ANZAC Day locally in Torquay, is through the Dawn Service. Interestingly enough, the Torquay Dawn Service is the largest Dawn Service in Victoria outside of Melbourne, with attendance this year of over 10,000 people. Many different people spoke and laid wreaths at the service, such as primary and secondary school captains, emergency workers, and organisations, veterans and local community members.

For me personally, as a member of 428 Squadron - Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC)  I had the privilege of being able to show my support at the Torquay Dawn Service by representing the Australian Air Force Cadets. As a cadet, ANZAC Day commemoration is arguably the most important day in the entire cadet calendar. I was able to represent the AAFC as a member of the Catafalque Party for the Torquay Dawn Service. The Catafalque Party historically has composed of 4 sentries and one catafalque commander, who are collectively entrusted to guard and protect the cenotaph, which is an empty tomb or monument commemorating those who died in service, but remain unidentified. Sentries also guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

While ANZAC Day continues to grow and change with the community, we continue to remember and commemorate the servicemen and women who have served and continue to serve. 

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

-The Ode of Remembrance, Laurence Binyon

Lest we forget 

Written by Zebe H.