Minister for Defence Materiel - Australians commemorate Anzac day and centenary of the Western Front

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The Hon Dan Tehan MP

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

Minister for Defence Personnel

Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security

Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC

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  • Byron Vale (Minister Tehan’s Office) 0428 262 894
  • Defence Media (02) 6127 1999

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25 April 2016

Australians will honour the sacrifice of their service men and women at hundreds of Anzac Day ceremonies today in Australia and around the world.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC, Dan Tehan, will pay his respects at the Dawn Service at Gallipoli, Turkey.

“It is an honour to stand on the beach at Gallipoli and remember the Australians and New Zealanders who landed here 101 years ago today— their sacrifice and courage remain at the heart of the Anzac tradition,” Mr Tehan said.

“About 50,000 Australians fought in the Gallipoli campaign—almost 9,000 lost their lives and more than 19,000 were wounded.

“Anzac Day is a time for every Australian to pause, reflect and recognise all those who have served our country.

“In towns and cities across Australia and around the world, Australians honour the sacrifice of those who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations on behalf of their country.”

Mr Tehan said this year also marked the 100th anniversary of Australia’s involvement on the Western Front, in France and Belgium.

“Australian troops arrived on the Western Front in March 1916, and participated in all major British offensives that led to Germany’s defeat in November 1918,” Mr Tehan said.

“Almost 300,000 Australians served on the Western Front, where more than 46,000 lost their lives and some 18,000 were left with no known grave.

“This remains Australia’s largest involvement in a military campaign and, sadly, our largest loss of life.

“Battlefields such as Fromelles, Mont St Quentin, Pozières, Bullecort, Passchendaele, Le Hamel and Villers-Bretonneux are part of our history and remain places of great significance.”

Media contacts:

Byron Vale (Minister Tehan’s office) 0428 262 894

Defence Media (02) 6127 1999

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