Protests disrupt Anzac Day commemorations in Australia and New Zealand

On April 25, 2025, hundreds of thousands of people gathered across Australia and New Zealand for dawn services and street marches to honor war veterans during Anzac Day. This date marks the 110th anniversary of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps landing at Gallipoli during World War I, a campaign that is often remembered as a key event in both nations' histories. It is significant for New Zealand, whose Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attended a commemoration at Anzac Cove in Turkey, reflecting on the substantial loss suffered by New Zealand during the campaign. While many participated respectfully, the commemorations were not without controversy, as protests disrupted at least two services in Australia. Notably, a dawn service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne was interrupted by hecklers, with around 50,000 people present. The disruptions began during a traditional Welcome to Country delivered by Indigenous Australian Mark Brown, with hecklers opposing the acknowledgement of Indigenous contributions. This led to accusations of disrespect, with Veteran Affairs Minister Matt Keogh highlighting that the protests were led by individuals associated with hate groups, which contradicted the spirit of the remembrance events. Additional incidents occurred in Perth and elsewhere, where attendees expressed dissatisfaction with how the Anzac Day services were conducted. The tensions reveal underlying social issues around Indigenous acknowledgment and the representation of the Australian populace during commemorative events, showing that Anzac Day has become a platform not only for remembrance but also for protest against historical injustices. These events, juxtaposed against the solemnity of Anzac Day, raise questions about the ongoing relationship between Indigenous Australians and the broader military commemorations. It demonstrates a complex layering of pride and resentment regarding the historical narrative surrounding Australia's involvement in past wars and the treatment of Indigenous populations. The respectful remembrance of those who served is vital, but it's clear that acknowledgment of the past and the voices of protest will shape future commemorations.