SYDNEY, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Despite security concerns in light of recent international terror attacks, thousands of people have taken to street in Sydney on Thursday, to commemorate ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) Day and honor the nation’s fallen soldiers.
With its origins dating back to World War I and the first landings of troops on the Turkish Peninsula of Gallipoli, the somber holiday is a shared day of remembrance for the people of Australia and New Zealand, to pay homage to those who have served in the military.
Beginning with a dawn memorial service, representatives from all areas of Australia’s military then marched in a parade near the harbor-city’s famed Hyde Park.
For sailor Lillian Nolan, who serves as an AB Bosun in the Royal Australian Navy, its a proud honor to attend the parade.
“Today for Australians and New Zealanders is about commemorating and paying respects to our elders that fell for our beautiful country, who sacrificed their lives, our soldiers, sailors and airmen,” she told Xinhua.
“I’m here because I’m a sailor. I’m part of the Royal Australian Navy. So to pay respects is important for myself and my country and I’m proud to serve on behalf of all the ones who fell for us.”
“It really makes me a proud sailor to follow in the elder’s footsteps.”
While the day’s proceedings went off without a hitch, there was a heavy police presence across Sydney and the rest of the country today, with authorities down under still on high alert following the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka were over 300 people were killed, and last month’s mosque massacre in New Zealand that claimed the lives of 50 worshippers.
