ANZAC Day 2026: 111th Anniversary of Gallipoli Landings Observed Worldwide

Millions of people worldwide observed ANZAC Day on April 25, 2026, marking the 111th anniversary of the Allied landings at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. The primary dawn service at Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula (Türkiye) commenced at 5:30 a.m. local time with heightened security, including airport-style screening reflecting current regional tensions. Australian Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston attended the Gallipoli ceremonies, while separate services were held at the Lone Pine Australian Memorial and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. The Australian War Memorial in Canberra broadcast a pre-dawn reading of soldiers' letters and diaries on ABC television from 4:30 a.m. New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro emphasised how Gallipoli — despite military failure — 'forged a shared humanity' that resonates in modern diplomacy. Special recognition was given in 2026 to the 16,000 Indian soldiers who supported ANZAC forces, including the 14th Sikhs who suffered 80% casualties at Gully Ravine. Digital projections in Geelong highlighted the previously marginalised contributions of First Nations soldiers and female nurses. Since ANZAC Day fell on a Saturday in 2026, New South Wales, Western Australia, and the ACT declared an additional public holiday on Monday, April 27. Services were also held in London, France, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Canada, the United States, and the Philippines.