22 April 2016 PA-CN/16/13
Australians Commemorate ANZAC Day
Every year on ANZAC Day (25 April), Australians gather at services and ceremonies around the world to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of men and women who have served their nation in times of war and conflict. The day marks the landing of Australian troops on the shores of Gallipoli which signified the start of Australian participation in World War I.
The Australian Consulate-General in Chennai will organise a Dawn Service to commemorate ANZAC Day at the Madras War Cemetery at 5.30am on Monday 25 April 2016.
The year 2015 marked the centenary of Australian troops landing on the shores of Gallipoli. In 2016, the focus of commemorations shifts to the Western Front and the anniversaries of significant battles on the Somme in France.
“ANZAC Day is an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of the men and women who have served their country” said Mr Sean Kelly, the Australian Consul-General for South India. “We invite all Australians and New Zealanders based out of Chennai and the surrounding regions to attend the Dawn Service at the Madras War Cemetery.”
Speaking about the Centenary of ANZAC marked between 2014 and 2018 Mr Kelly said “The ANZAC Centenary is a time to honour the service and sacrifice of our original ANZACs, and the generations of Australian servicemen and women who have defended our values and freedoms, in wars, conflicts and peace operations throughout a Century of Service.”
Further information about ANZAC Day and the ANZAC Centenary can be found on the ANZAC Centenary Website at http://www.anzaccentenary.gov.au/
Chennai Dawn Service- Monday 25 April 2016
Location: Madras War Cemetery
Time: 5:30am
(ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, the unit deployed at Gallipoli.)