Today marks the centenary of a day of extraordinary valour and tragic loss.

 

It is a privilege to gather with thousands of people to commemorate this 100^th anniversary of Anzac on the hallowed ground of the Gallipoli peninsula.

 

Young and old will stand where the first Anzacs stood, remembering them amidst the tall cliffs and rocky ridges of a landscape etched forever in Australia's national memory.

 

This Anzac Day, a hundred years after the courage and chaos of the landings, Australia will pause to remember all those who have served.

 

Anzac Day belongs to their honoured memory, and it belongs to all of us.

 

At dawn services around our nation, we will stand in silence, bundled up against the morning cold.

 

In small country towns we will lay wreaths upon memorials that bear the names of young men who never grew old. In neighbourhood RSLs we will raise a glass at the going down of the sun, in memory of the fallen.

 

However we mark this day, let all of us give thanks for the bravery of those prepared to risk, and lose, their lives for the country we love.

 

Today, and always, we will remember them.

 

Lest we forget.

 

SATURDAY, 25 APRIL 2015

 

MEDIA CONTACT: LEADER’S OFFICE MEDIA UNIT 02 6277 4053