25 Apr 2011

Thousands attend commemoration at Gallipoli

6:08 pm on 25 April 2011

About 4000 people have gathered at Anzac Cove to mark the 96th anniversary of Australian and New Zealand soldiers landing at Gallipoli.

Wreaths were laid to remember the 11,400 Anzac troops who died during the World War I battle.

Many New Zealanders attended service on Monday. Some had stayed at the site ahead of the ceremony listening to live music from a New Zealand Air Force band.

New Zealand was represented by Defence Force chief Lieutenant General Rhys Jones and Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully.

Australia's Minister for Veteran Affairs Warren Snowden told those gathered it is up to them to make sure history is not repeated.

"While so many who came here remain in graves unknown, their spirit drives us to this day. It behoves us to accept the responsibility to do whatever we can to avoid war and find peaceful resolution to our differences."

Dignitaries from Britain, France, Canada and the United States also attended the service.

A memorial for New Zealand soldiers who died at Chunuk Bair was also held.