Australia, New Zealand mark ANZAC day
- 12 years ago
On the shores of Gallipoli, Turkey, a commemoration for the thousands who died here on April 25th 1915.
Over 21,000 soldiers lost their lives here 97-years ago as the allied forces met with fierce resistance from the Ottoman army, as they tried to capture Constantinople.
Around half of the fallen were from Australia and New Zealand, and the day is now commemorated as ANZAC day - named for the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps.
Thousands from the two countries made the pilgrimage to attend the dawn service, among them Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD:
"This is a place hallowed by sacrifice and loss. It is too a place shining with honour, an honour of the most vivid kind. A place where foes met in equality and respect and attained a certain nobility through their character and conduct."
In Auckland, New Zealand, thousands gathered to commemorate those who had fallen.
The event was attended by many war veterans, as was the case in Sydney, Australia, where the day was marked by various army parades.
ANZAC day is held every year to remember all soldiers from these two nations that have served and died in all wars and conflicts.
Simon Hanna, Reuters.
Over 21,000 soldiers lost their lives here 97-years ago as the allied forces met with fierce resistance from the Ottoman army, as they tried to capture Constantinople.
Around half of the fallen were from Australia and New Zealand, and the day is now commemorated as ANZAC day - named for the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps.
Thousands from the two countries made the pilgrimage to attend the dawn service, among them Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD:
"This is a place hallowed by sacrifice and loss. It is too a place shining with honour, an honour of the most vivid kind. A place where foes met in equality and respect and attained a certain nobility through their character and conduct."
In Auckland, New Zealand, thousands gathered to commemorate those who had fallen.
The event was attended by many war veterans, as was the case in Sydney, Australia, where the day was marked by various army parades.
ANZAC day is held every year to remember all soldiers from these two nations that have served and died in all wars and conflicts.
Simon Hanna, Reuters.