U.S. Naval War College Commemorates ANZAC Day

At first light on the morning of April 25, 2026, U.S. Naval War College personnel had the privilege of standing alongside their Royal Australian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy friends as they led a solemn and deeply meaningful ANZAC Day dawn ceremony. In the stillness before sunrise, they joined in a tradition that has endured for more than a century — one defined by remembrance, respect, and quiet reflection.

ANZAC Day traces its origins to April 25, 1915, when Australian and New Zealand Army Corps forces landed on the shores of Gallipoli. What followed was a campaign marked by extraordinary courage, resilience, and sacrifice in the face of immense hardship. Though the campaign itself was costly, it became a defining moment in the national identities of both Australia and New Zealand, giving rise to what is now known as the “ANZAC spirit”— a legacy of bravery, mateship, endurance, and selfless service.

Today, ANZAC Day stands as a time to honor all Australians and New Zealanders who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations — and to remember those who never returned home. Across generations, the meaning of this day has only deepened, carried forward through traditions such as dawn services, moments of silence, the playing of the Last Post, and the simple but powerful phrase: “Lest we forget.”

As the NWC community gathered in the quiet dawn, they were reminded that remembrance is not only about looking back — it is about recognizing the enduring values that continue to guide those who serve today. For 250 years, the U.S. Navy has stood alongside trusted allies, united by a shared commitment to duty, honor, and the defense of freedom.

The morning ceremony was more than a commemoration; it was a reflection of the strong and lasting bonds between our nations. Together, the war college community honored the legacy of those who came before them, and reaffirmed their commitment to stand side by side in service of their shared ideals — that day and for generations to come.