BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
In towns across our nation, and in many across the globe, Australians gathered to recognise all those who have, and continue to wear our nation’s uniform.
That service, in war and conflict, as well as in humanitarian and peace operations, has brought our nation both pride and sorrow and earned its place in our national identity.
On Anzac Day, we honour the memory of the more than 103,000 Australians who have given their life in our country’s name.
In the 109 years since the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli, the Anzac legacy is as strong as ever.
In Australia, the national Anzac Day Dawn Service was held in the Sculpture Garden of the Australian War Memorial, while the RSL Veterans’ March is, for the first time, was held on the Memorial’s newly commissioned parade ground.
International Dawn Services were held in Gallipoli in Türkiye, near Villers-Bretonneux in France, Sandakan in Malaysia, Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea and Hellfire Pass in Thailand, marking some of the most significant battles in our nation’s short history.
Whether at home or abroad, we encourage every Australian to pause and reflect on the contribution made by all service personnel who have displayed great courage, discipline and self-sacrifice in choosing a life of service to their country.
Please see below some images featuring Air Force Association members. Please send through any pictures and captions you would like added to our website.
Image one – At a special ANZAC Day service in Tasmania, hosted by the South Arm RSL Sub-Branch, notable community and military leaders gathered to reflect on pivotal historical events and honour the legacy of service. From left to right: Councillor Brendan Blomeley, Mayor of the City of Clarence; Vice-President Ken Weir; SQNLDR Peter Van Loggerenberg (Retd); and AIRCDRE Doug Chipman (Retd), National Board Director of the Air Force Association. AIRCDRE Chipman, in his poignant speech, marked the 25th anniversary of the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) deployment in 1999 and revisited the sacrifices made at Gallipoli 109 years ago by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
Image two – Brigadier Jim Campbell AM (Retd), National Board Director of the Air Force Association, delivered a moving ANZAC address at the Glen Waverley Cenotaph in Victoria on 21 April 2024. His speech highlighted the enduring legacy of the Australian Imperial Force and the unyielding spirit of the ANZACs forged during battles from Gallipoli to the Western Front. BRIG Campbell specifically honoured the local veterans from the Shire of Mulgrave, now the City of Monash, reflecting on the profound sacrifices made by those who served. The ceremony, held at the iconic city cenotaph, was a poignant reminder of the bravery and resilience that characterises our nation’s history.
