A sea of silhouettes stood quietly against the first light of dawn as about 5000 people gathered in Albany for one of Australia’s most honoured Anzac Day commemorations.

Held at the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial on Mt Clarence, the dawn service drew locals, visitors and veterans, all united in reflection as the sun rose over King George Sound.

The ceremony honoured the sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women, with wreaths laid and The Last Post carrying across the crowd.

Master of ceremonies and Albany RSL services director Capt. Michael Tugwell guided the early-morning proceedings, setting the tone before the Australian and New Zealand national anthems were performed.

A prayer of remembrance was delivered by Reverend Canon Karen Cave, followed by the Anzac Day dawn service address from guest speaker Lt-Col Nathan Mutu of the New Zealand Defence Force.

WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch, Albany mayor Greg Stocks, and Albany MLA Scott Leary were among the dignitaries to lay wreaths at the service, which was part of the city’s bicentenary commemorations.

Albany holds a unique place in Australia’s wartime history as the departure point for the first convoy of Anzac troops in 1914.

The Desert Mounted Corps Memorial is considered the second-most recognised Anzac memorial site in the world, reinforcing its importance on both the national and international stages.

For those unable to attend the service at Mt Clarence, the ceremony was also live streamed to Anzac Peace Park, where hundreds more gathered to watch the ceremony on the big screens.

Among the crowd were families, young children, and veterans, highlighting the strong connection between generations and the enduring legacy of service.

As the first light broke across the horizon, the message remained that Anzac Day continues to hold deep meaning, bringing the community together to remember, reflect, and honour those who have served in times of conflict.