Event

ANZAC Day

Program:

Dawn Service – 6 AM, Polygon wood, Zonnebeke

In Zonnebeke the commemoration of ANZAC Day starts at six o'clock in the morning with the traditional Dawn Service on Buttes New British Cemetery in Polygon Wood (Polygone wood). A lot of Australian and New Zealand soldiers were given their final resting place here. 

Tyne Cot Commemoration service – 9.30 am, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Zonnebeke

Traditionally, the Australians and New Zealanders killed in battle are remembered with prayers, blessings, and the Ode to the Fallen. Attendees lay wreaths and commemorative wooden crosses on the graves. A volley by a firing party resonates as a salute, but there is also music: the various national anthems, reveille and, of course, the Last Post.

Procession and Menin Gate Service – 11.10 am, Ypres

The ceremony begins with a procession from the Cloth Hall to the Menin Gate. There, the attendees are welcomed. Prayers are said together, the Ode to the Fallen is recited and there is also music: the various national anthems, reveille and, of course, the Last Post. Wreaths and paper poppies colour the Menin Gate red.

Wreath-laying ceremony at the Belgian War Memorial – 11.35 am Ypres

A procession leaves from the Menin Gate and heads toward the Belgian War Memorial, where a wreath is laid and music is played.  

New Zealand Memorial – hour to be determined, Messines (Nieuw Zeelanderstraat)

Traditionally, New Zealanders killed in battle are remembered with music, prayers and blessings. Attendees lay wreaths at the memorial. The ceremony is freely accessible. 

Ploegsteert Toronto Avenue Cemetery Commemoration Service – 4 pm, Comines-Warneton

Attendees lay wreaths and commemorative wooden crosses on the graves. A volley by a firing party resonates as a salute, but there is also music: the various national anthems, reveille and, of course, the Last Post.

Nightly Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate – 8 pm, Ypres

The Last Post is the traditional final salute to the fallen. Buglers from the Last Post Association have sounded this nightly act of homage at the Menin Gate since 1928. They have done so to honour the memory of the soldiers of the former British Empire and its allies, who died in the Ypres Salient during the First World War.

Where?

Zonnebeke - Menenpoort/Menin Gate  

When?

25 April 2020 - 25 April 2020 @ 06:00 - 20:00

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