The Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial. Big screens will be set up on Reid Oval for those who cannot find a place. Photo: AWM.
More than 400 veterans who served as part of 1993 peacekeeping operations in Somalia will participate in this year’s Anzac Day march in Canberra.
They will march with Governor-General David Hurley, who commanded 1RAR Battalion Group in Operation SOLACE.
Australia’s involvement in Somalia will feature in a photographic exhibition which will be on display at the memorial from 17 April to 8 May.
The Australian War Memorial has released details of next month’s commemorations, including the Dawn Service and ACT Returned and Services League Veterans’ March.
The memorial will again set up big screens on Reid Oval, across from Limestone Avenue, to accommodate the traditionally large Dawn Service crowds.
Proceedings will start early on 25 April, with images from the National Collection displayed from 3:30 am, readings from the letters and diaries of Australian servicemen at 4:30 am, and the Dawn Service commencing at 5:30 am.
After the Dawn Service, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans and Services Association (ATSIVSA) Commemorative Ceremony will start at 7:30 am at the For Our Country memorial in the Sculpture Garden.
“We will honour all First Nations Peoples who have served in defence of Country on Anzac Day,” Indigenous liaison officer Michael Bell said.
“It is appropriate to conduct this ceremony at the For Our Country memorial as it is a ceremonial and inclusive memorial that gives First Nations People a focal point for commemoration on this important day.”
The Veterans’ March will begin at 9:30 am, starting on Anzac Parade at the intersection of Blamey Crescent and Currong Street. It will continue up West Road, through the grounds of the memorial, passing the Stone of Remembrance before the Governor-General delivers the Anzac Day Address.
Road closures will be in effect from 8 pm Monday 24 April to about 4:30 pm Tuesday 25 April. Limestone and Fairbairn avenues, and Anzac Parade north of the Blamey Crescent and Currong Street intersection, will be affected.
Limited parking is available onsite with priority given to vehicles displaying a government-issued Mobility Parking Permit.
Complimentary shuttle bus services for the Dawn Service and Veterans’ March will be available from the Canberra Centre and Russell Offices. Details can be found at www.awm.gov.au/anzac.
Transport Canberra will provide Register to Ride bus services to the Dawn Service only from Belconnen, City, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, and Woden interchanges. For further information, visit: www.transport.act.gov.au.
Tickets are not required to attend the Dawn Service, ATSIVSA Ceremony or Veterans’ March, but are needed to enter the galleries and attend the Last Post Ceremony.
All events will be broadcast on ABC television and online.
To learn more visit the Australian War Memorial website.
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