A stunning sunrise was the perfect backdrop as thousands of people paid their respects to current and former service people in Kings Park this morning at the state’s largest Anzac Day dawn service.
Veterans, dignitaries and families filled the grass banks in front of the state war memorial and were treated to a RAAF flyover after the service.
The Kings Park Anzac Day dawn service.Credit: Hamish Hastie
Former SAS commander James McMahon gave the keynote address, highlighting the findings of the recent Royal Commission into veterans suicides and the need to continue to help support struggling veterans.
Premier Roger Cook, WA Governor Chris Dawson, Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas and defense personnel were among those who laid wreaths at the memorial.
Later this morning thousands more will line Perth city streets for the Anzac Day parade.
RSL WA president Vince Connelly told our reporter Hamish Hastie, who was at the service, that Anzac Day is a day of unity for all Australians.
“We’re very grateful for the turnout today but also more so for the adoption of the Anzac spirit which means a lot to veterans and to their families, but really to the whole community,” he said.
