This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

ANZAC Day Marches Draw Massive Crowds Across Australia

People from Australia and New Zealand turn out to commemorate those in the armed forces.

Commemorative marches have been held across Australia as part of the 102nd anniversary ANZAC celebrations.

Regardless of warnings of possible terror attacks, huge crowds have turned out to commemorate and celebrate the contributions of veterans to Australia.

For the first time, Aboriginal veterans and their families lead the National ANZAC Day march in Canberra. This follows a push for better recognition of the contributions of Indigenous veterans to war efforts in Australia's history.

Ex-serviceman from the NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Association get ready to march down Anzac Parade.
Alex Ellinghausen
Ex-serviceman from the NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Association get ready to march down Anzac Parade.

The National Service in Canberra began at 10.30am, with Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce representing Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Sydney's annual parade saw 100 000 people line the sides of Elizabeth and Liverpool streets in the city's centre. Over 20 000 marchers paraded the streets of Sydney.

The ANZAC Day march in Sydney.
Janie Barrett
The ANZAC Day march in Sydney.

Melbourne city's march also began at 9am on Tuesday.

Representatives of WWI battalion associations march near the Shrine of Remembrance on the ANZAC day.
Eddie Jim
Representatives of WWI battalion associations march near the Shrine of Remembrance on the ANZAC day.

In Queensland, veterans from the East Timor and and India conflicts marched for the first time, while in South Australia, the ANZAC March commenced from North Terrace at 9.30am.

In the country's west, the Perth ANZAC parade stepped off from the corner of Barrack Street and St Georges Terrace at 9.00am.

Following Dawn services in Auckland and Wellington, people commemorated the ANZACs by placing poppy flowers on memorials.

Poppies are placed on the Cenotaph following the Dawn Service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Phil Walter
Poppies are placed on the Cenotaph following the Dawn Service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Parades were also held in both Wellington and Auckland.

Soldiers march during the Anzac Day National Commemoration Service.
Getty Images
Soldiers march during the Anzac Day National Commemoration Service.

Security in all the major cities has been extra tight this year, after threats of terror attacks. While there has been no reports of a direct terror threat, people have been urged to stay vigilant when taking part in today's celebrations.

ANZAC Day marches are important occasions for veterans and their families to receive the recognition they deserve for their contribution to keeping Australia and New Zealand safe in times of conflict.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.