The heart of Sydney stood still at dawn as thousands commemorated Anzac Day at Martin Place, more than a century after Australia's soldiers landed on Gallipoli's shores.
The service marked 102 years since the Gallipoli landings, Australia's first major conflict of World War One, and honoured armed forces past and present for their service.
Close to 20,000 people packed the length of Martin Place on the 90th anniversary of Sydney's first dawn service.
Commander of the Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer, gave the Anzac address noting that Australia has lost 102,825 men in war since 1861.
"This morning we don't boast about triumphs or victories," he said.
"We remember the sacrifice of those who were prepared to stand up for someone else, for people that believed that there was something bigger, more important than just their own interests and were prepared to put others ahead of themselves and put their lives at risk of because of those beliefs."
He said the dawn service ceremony was a commitment to always remember those who gave their lives in war.
"It is a promise that adds to the dignity of our nation and that the nation's people would annually recommit to the promise to remember those who have stood in harm's way."
