Australians commemorate Anzac Day on 25 April every year. This is the anniversary of the day when Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on Gallipoli in 1915 as part of the Allies’ invasion. Anzac Day draws large crowds of people to the dawn services and marches held around the country.

Anzac Day is a time for all Australians to recognise the more than 1.5 million service men and women who have served our country in all conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations. It’s also a time to remember the over 103,000 Australians who sacrificed their lives in our country’s name.

Parish and School communities in the Diocese of Ballarat paused to reflect:

Siena Catholic Primary School Lucas contributed to the Poppy Project Lucas and participated in the morning service.

East Wimmera Parish celebrated Mass. An article from the Buloke Times can be read read here (used with permission).

Loreto College Ballarat reflected.

Ode of Remembrance

They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them.

Response:

We will remember them
Lest we forget

DVA (Department of Veterans’ Affairs) (2023 ), Ode of Remembrance and other poems, DVA Anzac Portal, accessed 22 April 2024, https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/commemoration/event-planning/ode-of-remembrance

Prayer for Anzac Day

God of love and liberty, we bring our thanks this day for the peace and security we enjoy,
which was won for us through the courage and devotion of those who gave their lives in time of war.
We pray that their labour and sacrifice may not be in vain,
but that their spirit may live on in us and in generations to come.
That the liberty, truth and justice which they sought to preserve may be seen
and known in all the nations upon earth.
This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

The Argus Newspaper, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

AWM caption: Melbourne, VIC, 1927-04-25. VC winners and recipients of other high awards for bravery line up on parade near the Exhibition Building (not in view) at the Anzac day march.

DVA (Department of Veterans’ Affairs) (2024 ), Music for Remembrance Day or a commemorative event, DVA Anzac Portal, accessed 22 April 2024, https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/commemoration/event-planning/music