Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA030
Thursday, 30 April 2009
LETTER TO THE EDITOR – ANZAC DAY
Dear Editor,
It was pleasing to see so many Australians, especially young Australians, attending local Anzac
Day commemorations. It is clear that even as the number of our veterans decline, the
commitment of Australians to honour their service and sacrifice remains strong.
Across the country services were held to honour Australia’s servicemen and women – past and
present. Each year many people volunteer their time to plan Anzac Day commemorations in
their local community. This is a big task and I thank those involved in planning the many
ceremonies held across the country.
It is now 94 years since the Anzacs landed on the shores of the Gallipoli Peninsula. Each year
many Australians travel to Gallipoli to honour the Anzac legend at its birthplace and this year
was no exception with 7500 Australians attending the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove.
More than 3000 attended the Western Front Dawn Service at Villers-Bretonneux in France.
Thousands more attended services at other Australian wartime sites around the world including
Sandakan in Malaysia, Hellfire Pass in Thailand and Isurava in Papua New Guinea.
As our veteran community ages, the involvement of younger generations is the key to
continuing Anzac Day traditions and it was great to hear of so many young Australians
participating in ceremonies.
Alan Griffin
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Editors note: An image of Minister Griffin to accompany this letter is available for download at
Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 0437 863 109
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046.
To receive the Minister’s media releases automatically by email subscribe at minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm
NEWS 
