Westminster Abbey Marks ANZAC Day 2023
Tuesday, 25th April 2023
His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester attended a Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday 25th April 2023.
‘Remembering what must never be forgotten’
The service was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, who said in his Bidding:
‘Early on the morning of 25th April 1915, soldiers of the newly formed Australia and New Zealand Army Corps, landed at Gallipoli and were plunged into battle. By the end of that first day they had sustained two thousand casualties, either killed or wounded. Months of bitter warfare followed. Today we gather to remember what must never be forgotten. We are also here to honour not just the bravery, but the common cause. We will reflect on the complex history that makes allies and enemies, and leads us through war and peace.’
The flags of Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, and the United Kingdom were represented at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.
HE Stephen Smith, High Commissioner for Australia, read Philippians 2: 1-11.
HE Phil Goff, High Commissioner for New Zealand, read Revelation 21: 1-4.
Act of Remembrance
His Excellency Osman Koray Erta, Turkish Ambassador, recited the words of former President of Turkey Mustafa Kemal Atatürk inscribed on the memorial at ANZAC Cove in the Dardanelles.
Wreaths were laid at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior and by the High Commissioners.
Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Lance Corporal Benjamin Smith of the Band of the Welsh Guards.
The organ was played by Dewi Rees, Organ Scholar.
About ANZAC Day
ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) Day is a national day of remembrance that commemorates Australians and New Zealanders who served their respective countries.
