Fed: Thousands at Anzac Day dawn service in Canberra

AAP General News (Australia)
04-25-2005
Fed: Thousands at Anzac Day dawn service in Canberra

CANBERRA, April 25 AAP - Thousands of people have marked the 90th anniversary of the
Gallipoli landings at the Anzac Day dawn service in Canberra this morning.

A near-record crowd attended the service at the foot of the Australian War Memorial,
with only candles providing light.

The Anglican bishop to the Australian Defence Force, Tom Frame, said the 90th anniversary
of Gallipoli was an important time to reflect on how the event would be remembered into
the future.

He said it was vital that the contribution made by the Anzacs was an ongoing part of
the collective history, and future, of Australia and New Zealand.

"They gave their tomorrow for our today, this day, and so we should be grateful people," he said.

Dr Frame said today's media was filled with the corrupt, evil and vengeful, most of
whom went on to become infamous. There was little to mark the righteous, the altruistic
and those who went about their lives in a normal manner.

But the Gallipoli landings, and the successors to the Anzac legend, proved the righteous
will be remembered down the centuries.

"In 100 years they will be gathering as we gather on this day, in this place and at
this time," he said.

Dr Frame said the Anzacs were an embodiment of the best of humanity, as they gave themselves
selflessly for a greater good.

Governor-General Michael Jeffery was an unofficial guest at the service. He will later
take the salute at the main march, which will file past the Stone of Remembrance at the
foot of the war memorial.

AAP sw/rs

KEYWORD: ANZAC ACT DAWN

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