Anzac Day 100 Years: Australia remembers veterans' sacrifices

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Today, Australia, France and Turkey are marking Anzac Day. More than a century ago, over 35 thousand of soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps were either killed or wounded in combat during the Battle of Gallipoli in the first World War. CGTN's Greg Navarro has more on the memorials from Sydney.

A lone didgeridoo player in Canberra. Bagpipes on the Gold Coast, and a military singer performing under a faint light in Sydney. They are just some of the sounds from dozens of services around Australia, held before first light on ANZAC Day.

BRAD MANERA SENIOR HISTORIAN, ANZAC MEMORIAL "Anzac means a lot of things to a lot of people. For Australia, it is an extraordinary word. It was created 103 years ago and it began as an acronym."

The Australian and New Zealand Army Corp was formed in 1914 at the start of World War I. A group of young men who were thrust into an improbable task just one year later, to halt the Ottoman Empire's advances in an attempt to claim the Turkish Peninsula of Gallipoli. Thousands of Australian soldiers were killed in the campaign.

GREG NAVARRO SYDNEY "The Australian and New Zealand soldiers first landed in Gallipoli at dawn on April 25th, which is why, more than a hundred years later, services like this to commemorate Anzac Day begin before first light."

Since then, Anzac Day has become a day of remembering the sacrifices of soldiers from all wars, and one that's become very personal for an increasing number of people. Anthony Malloy attended his very first dawn service in Sydney this year at the age of 71, with his father's WW2 medals proudly displayed on his chest.

REPORTER "How do you describe the feeling about your father's service all those years ago?"

ANTHONY MALLOY ANZAC DAY MOURNER "I'm sorry, I can't find words, I'm sure you can understand."

REPORTER "Immense Pride?"

ANTHONY MALLOY ANZAC DAY MOURNER "Yes, extremely."

Liz Hanns was accompanied by one of the men who served in her son's platoon in Somalia 25 years ago.

"As a very proud mother, it is an honour to be here with these boys and thank them again for being there with my son in his dying moments."

Historians say the wreaths and ceremonies that are now a common part of Anzac day services should also be seen as reminders of the price Australia has paid for its freedom.

BRAD MANERA SENIOR HISTORIAN, ANZAC MEMORIAL "These days 25th of April Anzac day and the 11th of November remembrance now Armistice Day by no means are occasions for celebrations but they are and hopefully will remain a day for reflection."

And a day where people continue to take the time to remember. Greg Navarro, CGTN, Sydney.