This week marks the centenary of the Australian landing at Anzac Cove.
On that day, some 750 were killed.
Nearly 9,000 would lose their lives at Gallipoli before the evacuation eight months later. Over 61,000 would lose their lives during the Great War.
Our forebears faced terrible trials, but the worst of times brought out the very best in them.
Their perseverance, selflessness, courage and compassion came to define us as a nation.
So this week, around Australia and overseas, we will commemorate this anniversary.
Tomorrow, I will be in New Zealand for the dedication of the Australian National Memorial in Wellington.
This Memorial is a reminder of the deep ties between our two nations.
We are more than friends, we are family.
On Tuesday, I will travel to Turkey to join our Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli.
This Anzac Day, I hope all Australians will participate in the dawn services, marches and commemorations which will occur.
On Anzac Day, we remember all who served our country – in all conflicts and in all peace keeping operations.
In a century of service, we have lost 102,000 of our nation’s finest.
This week, I hope all Australians – young and old – in every town and suburb – will honour them and remember them.
Lest we forget.
19 April 2015