ANZAC Day Dawn Service Honors Enduring Bonds at National WWI Memorial, Washington, DC

At 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, the dawn broke over The National World War I Memorial, Washington DC as we gathered for the ANZAC Day Dawn Service.

ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance observed on April 25 in Australia and New Zealand to honor those who served in the First World War and subsequent conflicts. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during WWI—the 1915 landing at Gallipoli—and has since evolved into a day to honor all veterans and active service members.

The service began with a moving invocation by Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Lucas Dalgleish, USAF. We were honored to hear ANZAC Day Remarks from His Excellency Chris Seed CNZM, New Zealand Ambassador to the United States, and Mr. Jason Robertson, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Australia.

Doughboy Foundation’s CEO, Clair Sassin, joined the distinguished guests for the ceremony, as memorial wreaths were placed at the National World War I Memorial to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served. The program concluded with the National Anthems of Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, reaffirming our enduring friendship.

In the quiet chill of the early hour, we stood in solidarity with our Australian and New Zealand allies to honor the service members and veterans who served with such profound courage. This sacred tradition reminds us that the bonds formed in the trenches of the Great War remain unbreakable today.

Lest we forget.

The attendees assembled at 5:30 a.m. for the ANZAC Day ceremony.

(above and below) Laying wreaths to honor the fallen.

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