Global commemorations for ANZAC Day 2011

Media release

23 April 2011

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kevin Rudd, today highlighted the many ANZAC Day commemorative events taking place around the world.

"Australian Embassies will support ANZAC commemorations in more than 60 countries this year including in Bangladesh, China, Germany, Malaysia, India, South Africa and the United States," Mr Rudd said.

"The ANZAC legend has become part of our national ethos, and the sacrifices of Australia and New Zealand is internationally recognised."

ANZAC Day commemorations in Gallipoli have traditionally been the focus of overseas activities. But services take place all around the globe.

In Papua New Guinea, the main ANZAC Day ceremony will be held at the Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby.

"No other cemetery in the world is the resting place of more of Australia's war dead, more than 3,351 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country are buried at Bomana. It's a special place for all Australians."

In Egypt, the Australian and New Zealand embassies alternate hosting responsibilities for the ANZAC Day service.

New Zealand will host the 2011 ceremony in Cairo at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery followed by breakfast.

In Belgium, Australia's Ambassador to Belgium, Dr Brendan Nelson, will lead Australia's delegation to ANZAC Day services, including a dawn service at the Buttes New British Cemetery at Polygon Wood, services at Tyne Cot and Toronto Avenue cemeteries, and at the Menin Gate in Ypres.

Mr Rudd will attend the Dawn Service in France, which will be held at the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux – a town recaptured by Australian troops on 25 April 1918 – followed by ceremonies in Bullecourt.

Further information on all ANZAC Day commemorative events abroad can be found via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

"I also encourage all Australians travelling overseas to commemorative activities to register on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade smartraveller website" Mr Rudd said.

List of ANZAC Day Ceremonies

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