Anthony Albanese’s touching message to veterans on Anzac Day

Anthony Albanese will use a Dawn Service speech to pay tribute to the Anzac legacy and the veterans who put their lives on the line for the nation.

Australia must do more to assist veterans, says Anthony Albanese, with the PM calling for servicemen and women to be offered much more than “just gratitude”.

In his first Anzac Day address as the nation’s leader, Mr Albanese will reflect on the Anzac legacy and the impact war has on a person and their loved ones.

He will tell a crowd of thousands at the Australian War Memorial that for some, the battle stays with them long after they leave the battlefield.

“Of course, many did come home, only to face another battle within. A battle that, tragically, is not always won,” he is expected to say, according to a draft copy of his speech.

“If we are to truly honour our veterans, we owe them something more than just gratitude. Just as they stepped up for us, we must step up for them.”

Anthony Albanese will address thousands at the Australian War Memorial. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Mr Albanese will say while much has changed in how nations engage in warfare, the “great character of Australians at war has not”.

But he will note that while thousands across the country pay respect to those who have served, Australia has not always honoured all those who have put their lives on the line as well as we should.

“Likewise, we must acknowledge the truth that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who donned the khaki fought harder for Australia than Australia was sometimes willing to fight for them,” Mr Albanese will say.

“Yet we learn, and we keep taking steps forward together.”

Mr Albanese will pay tribute to the Anzac spirit. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The Prime Minister will also use his speech to touch on those Australians “whose fates we do not know”.

Referencing the message “we miss him at home” on the final resting place of William Henry O’Bree at Gallipoli, Mr Albanese will emphasise the human impact of war.

“Every case a human being. Every one of them missed at home. Every one of them a loved one,” he will say.

“One hundred and eight years after those first Anzacs set off in their boats, we remember them and all who followed – and we reflect on all that has been made possible by generations of sacrifice.

“We hope that war will one day be done, that the cause of peace will prevail, and we can stop inscribing names on memorials.”

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has highlighted the Korean and Vietnam war veterans in his Anzac address. Picture: NCA/NewsWire Emma Brasier

Meanwhile, federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton will use his speech to remember the Korean and Vietnam wars.

“To this day, the Korean War can appear as a mere blip on the historical radar, receiving less attention than it should, given the proximate storm of the Second World War,” he will say.

“To this day, narratives of shame and controversy continue to colour the Vietnam War, such was the enduring influence of the anti-war sentiment and protests of the time.

“But our veterans deserve much better. Our long dead deserve much better.”

He said Australians fought in foreign lands in those two wars to defend those who desired self-determination and liberty.

“Today, satellite images of Korea at night show an illuminated South in contrast to a darkened north,” he said.

“Today, Vietnam and Australia have a close relationship and shared commitment to maintaining peace in our region.

“The values for which we stand are more enduring than any conflict.”

Originally published as Anthony Albanese’s touching message to veterans on Anzac Day