Anzac Day 2026: Thousands turn out for Kings Park dawn service, RSLWA & Roger Cook condemn crowd boos

The solemn tone of the dawn ceremony at Kings Park was disrupted on Saturday morning when a small number of people in the crowd booed local veteran Di Ryder as he welcomed him into the nation’s talk.

The response from the RSLWA was immediate and searing. After Ms Ryder finished, an emotional Mr Barton said “that was the most disgusting thing I’ve ever heard”, prompting a wave of supportive applause.

At the end of the ceremony, he stood tall and said, “We will continue to know the country, we will not be bullied.”

Nearly 30,000 West Australians gathered to honor Australian dead from two world wars and other conflicts. At the same time, the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing was also celebrated.

The crowd surpassed last year’s attendance of 26,000, and some enthusiastic attendees took their seats in the front row with camp chairs as early as 7 p.m. Friday night.

By 5.30 in the morning, the area was filled with families drinking hot tea and coffee, while beret-clad children in caps and coats were proudly displaying their parents’ and grandparents’ medals.

When the ceremony started at 6 a.m., the temperature rose to 8 degrees.

Notable attendees included Prime Minister Roger Cook, Chris Dawson, Paul Papalia, Mayor Bruce Reynolds and Basil Zempilas, as well as RSLWA State President Duncan Anderson and CEO Stephen Barton, who served as MC.

Representing the Prime Minister was Patrick Gorman.

Memorial speaker Damien Bushell thanked those who served for their loyalty and determination.

“We remember their courage, their sacrifice and their enduring spirit forged in the crucible of war,” he said.

“The young men who landed at Anzac Cove faced unimaginable challenges. They were ordinary Australians from all walks of life, facing extraordinary circumstances, but in the midst of chaos, danger and loss, they demonstrated extraordinary resilience, fierce loyalty to their friends and an unwavering determination to fulfill their duty.”

“We also remember the families of our veterans and military personnel, both past and present, who have quietly served alongside their loved ones, who have endured absence, anxiety and loss, and whose strength and sacrifice are essential to service.”

Mr Bushell emphasized the importance of coming together on ANZAC Day to commemorate the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.

“The sacrifices of those who served underpinned the freedoms and way of life we ​​cherish, and we have a sacred duty to remember their service, honor their memory, and ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain,” Mr. Bushell said.

Group Captain Peter Noak read a letter from Private Edward Mason, a 45-year-old Murchison miner who lied about his age to enlist in the army in 1915. Writing to his children on the eve of war in 1916, Private Mason said: “Just a parting word as you may never hear from me again.”

The letter was a reminder of the harsh reality many people face.

“Only those inside this infernal machine can understand what it really is,” Pte Mason wrote.

“The artillery is pouring thousands of bullets into their trenches now and for hours, and when they are done we will have to charge with bayonets and hold the trenches.”

Speaking after the ceremony, Prime Minister Roger Cook praised the large turnout and described the dawn ceremony as a vital act of “peace and respect”.

He also did not hesitate to address the earlier controversy.

“For anyone to disrespect one of our elders and a veteran is disgusting and disrespectful,” Mr. Cook said.

Mr Cook praised Mr Barton for “putting an end to this disgraceful act”.

RSLWA State President Duncan Anderson shared the Prime Minister’s disappointment and described those responsible as “idiots” for turning their backs on the spirit of the day.

“Anzac Day, especially at dawn, is a politics-free zone,” Mr Anderson said.

“Di Ryder is a proud veteran, and not only did they disrespect his legacy, they disrespected the fact that he was a veteran.”

Despite the disruption, he felt the morning was “an absolute success” and noted that the increased participation of school-aged children offered a sense of hope for the future.

For many, this morning’s dawn ceremony was a bridge between generations.

Veteran Ross Ledger, 89, was visibly proud to attend with his eldest grandson, Tom Ledger, 33.

Gazi said, “I always come.”

“It’s great to share this with my family and it makes me really proud. I’ll try to be here as much as I can because it’s an important message.”

Nearby, Ben Casey, 65, was all smiles as he introduced his grandchildren to the tradition for the first time.

“I come every year with my daughters, we have never missed a year,” she said.

While 3-year-old Eden, 6-year-old Quinten, 4-year-old Cole and 5-year-old Gabriel played with Anzac Day flags, their grandfather emphasized the seriousness of the morning.

“Great,” Mr. Casey said.

“This is the first time we’ve brought the grandchildren. It’s important to keep that memory alive and understand what we did in the past so we don’t repeat the same things.”

Reflecting on his experience, he added: “They liked it. It was hard to keep them quiet at that moment, but they did it.”

For veterans Christopher and Kirsten Wright, 41 and 34, passing on the legacy to their children Olivia, 8, and Byron, 7, is a big deal.

“We love coming to Kings Park every year to have our dawn ceremony,” Mr Wright said.

“Traditions and the passing on of traditions mean a lot.”

While the young people said hot chocolate at Government House was the most important moment of the morning, their parents, who served in the defense forces for a total of 33 years, ensured that the importance of the day remained in focus.

Longtime attendee John McPherson, 78, also joined the crowds at the park, finding solace in the shared experience.

“Friendship is always good during Anzac week,” he said.

“There’s usually a lot going on that brings back good memories and brings everyone back together.”