Sacrifice honoured at Anzac Day commemorations

Thousands of Australians will gather to commemorate the contribution of Australian defence personnel at Anzac Day services across the country.

On the 108th anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli during World War I, dawn services will be held in major cities, suburban centres and country towns honouring the service of men and women in past conflicts and those serving today.

Commemorations will centre on the Australian War Memorial, where Anthony Albanese will lead tributes during the dawn service.

It will be his first address at Anzac Day as prime minister since taking on the role last year.

"Every Anzac Day, from the greatest memorial to the simplest cenotaph, we honour all who have served in our name, and all who serve today," he will say.

"It is a collective act of remembrance, reflection and gratitude – one carried out by multiple generations of Australians and devoted to multiple generations."

He says it's important to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who donned the khaki "fought harder for Australia than Australia was sometimes willing to fight for them".

"Yet we learn and we keep taking steps forward together."

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said Anzac Day was one of the most meaningful dates on the national calendar.

"The values for which we stand are more enduring than any conflict, as long as we have - like our forebears - the courage and commitment to defend them always," he said.

This year's Anzac Day march in Canberra will also mark 30 years of Australian peacekeeping efforts in Somalia.

The march will feature more than 120 veterans who served as part of Operation Solace.

Among those will be Governor-General David Hurley, who commanded the 1RAR battalion group during the operation.

The governor-general will lead the march and then serve as the reviewing officer for the troops taking part.

This year's Anzac Day will also coincide with 50 years since the end of Australian involvement during the Vietnam War.

More than 500 Australians died during the conflict and over 3000 were injured.

Services will also take place to mark Anzac Day in France, Papua New Guinea and Turkey.

Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh, who will represent Australia at the Gallipoli dawn service, said the contribution of troops during the campaign would always be remembered.

"In the early light of dawn, when the Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, little did they know that they were making history, forming a legend that would resonate for generations to come," he said.

"Even though more than a century has passed we will continue to honour their service, share their stories and remember their names."

Lifeline 13 11 14

Open Arms 1800 011 046