Anzacs commemorate their ancestors with 'Dawn Service'

The 'Dawn Service,' attended by thousands of Australians and New Zealanders who arrive every year between April 24-25 to commemorate their ancestors, often sleeping in sleeping bags, was held with a ceremony. The ceremony, which began at 04:40, continued with speeches by representatives of the New Zealand and Australian Defence Forces. Afterward, a video describing the Shell Green Cemetery and the "Honor" video were screened.

Following this, the Karanga (a call to gather) was performed at the ceremony. Speeches were delivered on behalf of New Zealand and Australia. In the speech made on behalf of the Turkish Armed Forces, the letter written by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk addressed to the Anzac mothers was read in both Turkish and English. The ceremony continued with the laying of wreaths by Turkey and other countries. After the bugle call, a moment of silence was observed, and the national anthems of Turkey, Australia, and New Zealand were played. The program concluded with final benedictions.

The ceremony was attended by Çanakkale Governor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Toraman, Gallipoli Historical Site President İsmail Kaşdemir, Governor-General of New Zealand Dame Cindy Kiro, representatives of foreign countries, and numerous guests.

News Source: İHA