Gallery: Anzac Day 2025 commemorated in Darwin at Dawn Service
In true Darwin form, thousands gathered to honour the Anzac legacy with a high degree of reverence. SEE THE GALLERY.
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In true Darwin form, thousands gathered to honour the Anzac legacy with a high degree of reverence.
Young and old rose early to remember those who perished in the line of duty, with waves of families filling up the esplanade lawns to pause in unison.
The Territory’s future represented a large chunk of the flock, with young children stacked at the front service.
Stories of valour was brought to life by the presence of hundreds of veterans, including 100 year-old Colin Heard, who was a Kitty Hawk fighter pilot in World War II.
Mr Heard’s presence was deeply appreciated by those in attendance, who gave a round of applause to the senior veteran.
The meaning behind Anzac Day was put beyond doubt by those who addressed the masses.
“Anzac Day is not about the glory of war,” NT Administrator Hugh Heggie said.
“It is about the cost of it – it is about remembrance, it is about gratitude, it is about the solemn promise that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Acknowledging Darwin’s own battlefield history, Larrakia elder Richard Fejo reiterated Territory had a unique connection to duty.
“You are the future, you are the survivor story that your ancestors hoped for,” he told the crowd.
“So many paid the ultimate price to preserve our way of life.”
Mr Fejo maintained the 103,000 Australians who died in war deserved “our most sensitive gratitude”.
“They fought together, they died (together), and side-by-side they emerged victorious,” he said.
“We’re here to honour them for giving us what we have today and to acknowledge them for their efforts (and) sacrifices with our utmost gratitude.”
After laying their wreaths, the crowd filtered through to the city to find a vantage point for the massive parade to follow
The streets were lined with thousands as locals positioned themselves to get a glimpse of service members, past and present, marching in unison.
At the head of the parade was Mr Heard, followed by former and current-serving Australians, as well as their US Marines brothers and sisters.
Following their stride was a number of organisations, including cadets and volunteers.
To the crowd’s excitement, military hardware also made a cameo, with a fighter jet and a number of attack helicopters making a flyover.
Artillery guns also graced the parade, with a pair of chunky howitzers expertly towed through streets.
As the parade came to a close, mates could be seen discussing their afternoon plans, with various pubs and cafes opened for business.
Hotel Darwin was particularly packed, with hundreds of patrons crammed at the bar and in the beer garden.
With a fistful of $20 and $50 notes, enthusiastic patrons crowded the two-up scene, keen to make a small fortune.
2025 ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICE GALLERY
Originally published as Gallery: Anzac Day 2025 commemorated in Darwin at Dawn Service
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