Coalition forces commemorate 98th annual ANZAC Day

SOUTHWEST ASIA – The Royal Australian Air Force invited the Grand Slam Wing to take part in a dawn, wreath-laying service April 25 to remember all who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations in which Australian and New Zealand defense forces have been engaged. The dawn service focuses on the quiet moments before dawn during conflict, where soldiers were woken up to “stand-to” in the quiet moments before another day of battle would begin. The Thursday morning ceremony here began at 4:20 a.m. – the time ANZAC Forces made landfall on Gallipoli in 1915 -- hosted by RAAF Task Unit 633.2.5 Wing Commander Paul Gibbs, followed by a hymn, dedication, sonnet and requiem. Coalition representatives here laid a wreath, including the Australians, New Zealanders, British, Americans, French, Canadians, Italians and Belgians. After the laying of wreaths, an ode of remembrance was read before a playing of the last post. After the moment of silence, reveille played, a prayer given and the ceremony concluded with the national anthems of Australia and New Zealand. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Brendan Kavanaugh)