- PM honours war heroes -
25.04.2003 14:11:20
Prime Minister John Howard paid a special tribute to Australian forces
serving in Iraq at yesterday`s national ANZAC Day services in Canberra.
Under heavy skies, record crowds turned out in the nation`s capital to commemorate ANZAC Day, which Mr Howard called Australia`s greatest tradition.
In the pre-dawn darkness, more than 15,000 men, women and children of all ages gathered at the entrance to the Australian War Memorial for the national dawn service.
PM John Howard, ANZAC Day 2000 at Gallipoli
War veterans and dignitaries, including Governor-General Peter Hollingworth, were seated close to the parade ground.
Thousands more stood silently, candles in hand, remembering the more than 102,000 Australians who have died in war.
Later, more than 20,000 people assembled for the national march.
It was attended by Mr Howard and wife Janette, Dr Hollingworth, Opposition Leader Simon Crean and wife Carole, and New Zealand High Commissioner Kate Lackey.
Mr Howard marvelled at the "extraordinary hold" ANZAC Day continued to have on the nation,
"This great tradition born on the 25th of April 1915 . . . has shaped the character and the destiny of this country more than any other tradition or influence," Mr Howard said.
"All of us marvel at the way in which the young of Australia, in increasing numbers, embrace the
ANZAC traditions."
Mr Howard said it was a time to think about Australian forces serving overseas. "And especially we give thanks for the safety of those who`ve recently taken part in the war in Iraq," he said.
Dr Hollingworth, Mr Howard, Mr Crean and Mrs Lackey laid wreaths on the Stone of Remembrance. Each also laid a single red poppy at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier in the Hall of Memory.
acknowledge:
by Herald Sun
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au
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