Crowds of Australians and New Zealanders gathered in solemn remembrance just before dawn on Friday to observe Anzac Day ceremonies, a day steeped in military history and national pride. However, the atmosphere at one particular service was momentarily disrupted by booing, which a local politician attributed to a known neo-Nazi. Anzac Day commemorates the ill-fated landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops at Gallipoli during World War I in 1915, a significant and tragic event that saw over 10,000 servicemen killed while engaging German-backed Ottoman forces.

This year marks the 110th anniversary of that fateful landing, and Anzac Day has evolved to honor the sacrifices of Australians and New Zealanders who have served in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations throughout history. During the ceremony in Canberra, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reflected on the significance of the day, stating, "We who are gathered here, think of those who went out to the battlefields of all wars, but did not return. We feel them still near us in spirit. We wish to be worthy of their great sacrifice." His poignant remarks resonated with the crowd, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who fought for their country.

At Melbourne's dawn service, the mood shifted as booing erupted during the traditional Welcome to Country ceremony, which is a customary blessing delivered by a local Indigenous elder prior to events. Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh responded strongly, stating that the interruption was instigated by an individual identified as a known neo-Nazi. He expressed his disappointment, saying, "When we come together to commemorate on Anzac Day, we're commemorating some of those soldiers who fell in a war that was fought against that sort of hateful ideology. It was completely disrespectful and is not something that's welcome at Anzac Day commemorations ever." When asked how he recognized the individual, Keogh mentioned he had seen media reports identifying the person involved.

Defence Minister Richard Marles condemned the incident as "terrible" and "deplorable," yet he urged that it should not divert attention from the days true purpose. "This is a day to acknowledge those who have worn our nation's uniform," he noted during an interview with Channel Nine television. In light of the disruption, Victorian police intervened by directing the unidentified man to leave the event and stated they would be interviewing him for offensive behavior.

In the midst of these events, New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon planned to attend a commemorative service in Gallipoli, honoring the significant historical ties between the two nations. The annual commemoration is not only a moment of remembrance but also comes just ahead of Australias upcoming election on May 3, where key issues such as the cost of living, energy transition, and international relations, particularly with the United States, are dominating political discourse. The current left-leaning government is leading in opinion polls, which adds a layer of political nuance to the days events.

In a gesture of respect and remembrance, Britains King Charles III issued a statement thanking the thousands of ANZAC troops for their selfless service in those most difficult and dangerous times. His acknowledgment highlights the international recognition of the sacrifices made during the war and the enduring legacy of those who served.