A dawn ceremony marked Anzac Day 2026 at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where military personnel and diplomats from Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and partner nations gathered to honor fallen service members.
The event, held at first light, included troops taking part in Exercise Balikatan 2026. Australian contingent commander Lieutenant Colonel Ben Woolmer said the occasion was a time to reflect on the sacrifices of past and present service members.
The ceremony was led by Australian Defence officials, with music from the British School Manila Chamber Singers. New Zealand Ambassador Dr. Catherine McIntosh delivered the main speech, while Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown read the poem In Flanders Fields. Turkish Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol shared a message from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Wreaths were laid by representatives from the Philippines and partner nations, followed by veterans and members of the public. The ceremony included the sounding of the Last Post, a two-minute silence, and the playing of Reveille, ending with national anthems to honor shared remembrance.
