Embedded Files
ANZAC Cove Dawn Service at Gallipoli on ANZAC Day
ANZAC Cove Dawn Service at Gallipoli on ANZAC Day
The ANZAC Day dawn service commences each year at 5.30am sharp within the area the Governments of Australia, New Zealand and Turkey have named the "ANZAC Commemorative Site" which is right at North Beach on the Gallipoli Peninsula. There are parts of the area within the commemorative zone that for security reasons will be off limits before and during the Dawn Service including the VIP area and the beach directly adjacent to the commemorative site. Visitors are requested not to stand or sit on the road or on any of the walkways during the lead up to or during the Dawn Service as these areas are designated as "emergency access" areas and thoroughfares. There is always a program of activities during the night including the showing of documentaries on the big screens, the playing of music by various military bands and also some reflective readings and poems by both the military and by invited members of the public. Over the evening and during the night the big screens will also be utilised to show all relevant information regarding the Dawn Service and regarding the Commemorative services at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair and all safety and security information will be prominently displayed. There is usually very little opportunity for overnight sleep however, if you are a deep sleeper, you should be able to get a few hours lying down on the grass towards the rear of the Commemoration Site. The evening of the 24th of April and the early morning hours of the 25th of April leading up to the commencement of the ANZAC Day Dawn Service should be treated as a respectful vigil and a period of quiet reflection. As the sun rises over the Aegean Sea behind where the stage is erected for the service to take place, an eerie quiet surrounds the entire area, and as those first fingers of sunlight brush the stage the Dawn Service begins.
Once the Dawn Service has concluded the long trek to Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair commences - see below for more details.
LEST WE FORGET
Lone Pine Service at Gallipoli on ANZAC Day
Lone Pine Service at Gallipoli on ANZAC Day
At 9.30am the Australian Commemorative Service begins at Lone Pine which is roughly a 3km walk up hill via a purpose built rough track over rocky terrain. At Lone Pine there is limited temporary seating so it is first come first seated basis. The Lone Pine service is held within the boundaries of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Lone Pine Cemetery, and as such visitors are requested to refrain from sitting on the grassed areas surrounding the graves but instead to either use the seating provided or use the vacant areas along the sides of the designated area. There is, of course, designated seating for less mobile or handicapped persons and the is always plenty of staff on hand to guide, provide information and be of any assistance whatsoever.
LEST WE FORGET!
Chunuk Bair Service at Gallipoli on ANZAC Day
Chunuk Bair Service at Gallipoli on ANZAC Day
At 11.30am the New Zealand Commemorative Service will commence at Chunuk Bair which is a further 6kms up the ridge along a sealed tar road. Again there is limited temporary seating available as well as big screens, toilets and food vendors. The staging area for the coach pick-ups will be in the Chunuk Bair area. There is a holding marquee where everyone who walks up to Chunuk Bair after the Lone Pine service is concluded, is asked to wait, whilst the logistics of getting the coaches around for pick-ups is organised. There are always Kiwi military service personal hanging about available for questions, a bit of witty banter and even a few more songs to entertain the waiting crowd. Hope fully all coaches will get through within a couple of hours.
LEST WE FORGET!
For further information the following two eBooks are of invaluable assistance:
- ANZAC Day eBook produced by PP Travel
- ANZAC Day 2019 Information eBook produced by the Department of Veterans Affairs
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse