MUST WATCH
As dawn breaks on ANZAC Day, Sky News and
HISTORY mark the anniversary with unparalleled
coverage that pays tribute to our war heroes
We w ill
T
his year’s ANZAC Day coverage
is the 103rd anniversary of the
Gallipoli landing and includes
reflections on the courageous
efforts by our troops from the past and
present, as well as marking the centenaries
of the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux
and the end of WWI.
Reports on the day from Sky News will
cover ceremonies across Australia and the
world, while HISTORY is also launching
three documentary series commemorating
the sacrifices made by the military and the
brave figures who shaped history.
As Sky News’ chief political reporter
Kieran Gilbert prepares to again front
the ANZAC Day coverage, he shares his
memories – and pride – in celebrating the
heroism of our troops with the country.
KIERAN GILBERT,
chief political reporter, Sky News
“I’ve been part of ANZAC Day coverage for
the past 15 years. One of the most significant
roles I’ve played was in 2005, when I travelled
with [then prime minister] John Howard for
the 90th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.
It was such an honour to be there among the
thousands of Australians who had made their
way to Turkey for that commemoration.
It was a solemn morning, 90 years on
from those pivotal events on the Gallipoli
peninsula that had potent ramifications
for our nation. There was such a reverent
atmosphere as we reflected on the sacrifice
of those first ANZACs. To be there as the
sun came up over ANZAC Cove, it was
a very moving thing to be a part of and
something I’ll never forget.
My coverage over the years has mostly
centred on the Australian War Memorial
(AWM) Dawn Service in Canberra. AWM
director Brendan Nelson has made some
valuable changes to the way we mark the
day, from images of diggers reflected on
the War Memorial building to letters from
frontline military personnel being read
to the crowd prior to the service – whether
from WWI or modern-day theatres of
operation in Afghanistan and Iraq.
As a journalist, the challenge is to capture
the essence of the ANZAC Day service and
to honour this crucial part of history. If I’m
hosting from the studio, it’s crossing to our
various reporters nationwide, giving viewers
a sense of commemorations from around the
country – from memorials in the smallest
towns to the largest cities.
REMEMBER
THEM
WORDS: SARAH THOMAS. PHOTOS: ALAMY; GETTY IMAGES; SKY NEWS
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