Commemoration of Anzac Day Centennial Begins

Australians commemorate the 100th anniversary of Anzac Day this week, and Prime Minister Tony Abbott posted this message on April 18 ahead of planned events. The holiday is held on April 25 to remember fallen members of the military, and it also marks the anniversary of Australia and New Zealand’s first major military action in World War I.

In his message, Abbott said 750 people died on that day in Gallipoli and nearly 9,000 would die before an evacuation eight months later. “Our forebears faced terrible trials, but the worst of times brought out the very best in them,” he said. “Their perseverance, selflessness, courage and compassion came to define us as a nation.” Credit: YouTube/Tony Abbott