Attend a dawn or sunset service on 25 April at the State War Memorial

ANZAC Day commemorates the 1915 Gallipoli landing of Australian and New Zealand troops during World War I and is a day to honour all those who have served our country in all conflicts, wars and peace operations since 1914. It was first observed on 25 April 1916, as people came together to remember those lost.

In August 1919 a ceremony was held in May Circle, dedicating the avenue of trees along May Drive to the memory of 400 men who had died in World War I and were buried overseas or have no known grave in Western Australia.  This was the first of three Honour Avenues established in the park. There are now close to 2000 trees with plaques to remember those who have died during the world wars. The plaques are maintained by the volunteer Honour Avenues Group, who also conduct services for the families of those who have lost loved ones. Each year just prior to Anzac Day students from Carine Senior High School place flags and flowers on each of the plaques.

In 2015 to honour 100 years of the ANZAC spirit, a new Grevillea, the ‘RSL Spirit of ANZAC’, was developed by Kings Park horticulturists. This Grevillea is planted around the memorial and flowers on ANZAC day. Its dark red colour and resilience reflect the blood lost and the spirit of the service men and women involved. It has been released to the general public and has become a popular plant in home gardens.

As well as the WA State War Memorial there are several other memorials that commemorate those that have served in our armed forces. A few of these are the Jewish War Memorial, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Memorial and Vietnam War Memorial. Ask the Guides in the Visitor Information Centre to show you where you can find them. We can also find the location of particular plaques in the honour avenues that you may want to visit.

This year’s dawn service will be held at the State War Memorial at Kings Park on 25 April, commencing at 5.45 am. The service is always very well-attended and attracts more than 30,000 people, so it is important to arrive early.

For those unable to attend the dawn service, the Returned and Services League of WA (RSLWA) is also holding an inclusive sunset service from 5.00 pm to 5.30 pm at the Flame of Remembrance. The ceremony is wheelchair-accessible and includes audio-description, assisted listening, wheelchair access, Auslan signing, a quiet zone and plenty of ACROD parking.

For further information about Anzac Day services held in Kings Park visit the RSLWA website.

Kings Park Guides’ free daily walks will still take place at 10.00 am and 1.00 pm.