ANZAC Day 2017

On ANZAC Day each year, we honour and remember those who sacrificed so much so that Australia could be what it is today. Each year on 25 April, cities and towns around Australia hold commemorative events to pay respect to men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation. The RSL in Western Australia will host major commemorative events at more than 100 locations throughout the state.

West Australians have always embraced ANZAC Day. More than one quarter of the Australian soldiers who landed at Gallipoli were from Western Australia. In fact about 10 per cent of WA’s total population, or 32000, volunteered to serve in the First World War – the highest proportion of any State.

In 2017, we continue to mark the centenary of the First World War and we will also be commemorating significant anniversaries including the Second World War’s violent arrival to Western Australia. On 3 March 1942, Japanese fighter aircraft attacked Broome, resulting in approximately 40 people being killed and an extensive number of casualties.

There are several opportunities for community members and families to get involved. A summary of the major events planned in Perth follows. For regional events, please visit www.rslwa.org.au.

SUNSET SERVICES
State War Memorial, Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Each evening from 20 April to 24 April at 5pm – 5.30pm.
Sunset Services conducted around the Flame of Remembrance start at 5pm and finish at approximately 5.30pm. The Services will be held over five evenings and will focus on a different theme each evening with the program including a wreath laying ceremony.
75th Anniversary – Bomber Command Operations.
75th Anniversary – Battles of El Alamein & Kokoda.
75th Anniversary – HMAS Perth & USS Houston Sinking. 75th Anniversary – Massacre of Vyner Brooke.
100th Anniversary – Battles of Bullecourt and Passchendale.

DAWN SERVICE
State War Memorial, Kings Park and Botanic Garden
5.50am – 7am.
The Dawn Service will be conducted at the State War Memorial on Fraser Avenue commencing at 6am. We recommend arriving from 4am onwards. Some travel delays may be experienced, so please plan your journey and allow extra time to get to the Commemoration. Please note that at 5.50am lights will go out, and at 6am all will be quiet as the Service commences.

GUNFIRE BREAKFAST
Stirling Gardens, St Georges Terrace
7am – 9am
The community is invited to attend a Gunfire Breakfast for a gold coin donation, to share the spirit of ANZAC Day. The breakfast will be held in Stirling Gardens on St Georges Terrace (adjacent to Council House). The event will cater for up to 2000 people. The event is proudly supported by Rotary Club of Heirisson.

MARCH
Barrack Street, St Georges Terrace, Victoria Avenue
9am – 11am
The Australian Defence Force will step off from the corner of Barrack Street and St Georges Terrace at 9am, followed by veteran-carrying vehicles and military jeeps, and the Ex- Services Unit, Corps, Regimental Associations. The March will head east along St Georges Terrace, turn right onto Victoria Avenue and into Langley Park. To secure a good viewing area at the March, we suggest you arrive around 8.30am. The Parade route extends along St Georges Terrace from Barrack Street to Victoria Avenue.

COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE
Langley Park
11am
The Commemorative Service program will feature the Salvation Army Perth Fortress Band and choir brought together from the Perth Modern School Choirs, Chorus Angelicus, Phoenix and Schola Cantori. The Service concludes at 11.45am. Seating will be provided for 1000 people at the Commemorative Service, standing areas are also available. Proceedings can be easily seen on large screens.