This year's Dawn Service address at the Australian War Memorial will be given by the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral David Johnston AC RAN.
Vice Admiral Johnston has had a distinguished career in the Australian Navy and has served as Vice Chief of the Australian Defence Force since 2018.
"It is an honour to give this year's Commemorative Address in the Sculpture Garden," said Vice Admiral Johnston.
"I recently had the privilege of attending the dedication of For Every Drop Shed in Anguish, a new sculpture to honour the strength of our veteran community, while acknowledging those who may have suffered physically and mentally following service to their country."
"On Anzac Day, the Dawn Service is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served Australia, and the families who support them."
Director of the Australian War Memorial Matt Anderson said, "As the Australian War Memorial enters a new era, with the first stage of the Development project complete, we are pleased to have an longtime supporter of the Memorial provide the final Dawn Service in the Sculpture Garden."
"Vice Admiral David Johnston is a very regular visitor to the Memorial. We are looking forward to continuing our association with him as he begins his new role as Chief of the Defence Force," Matt Anderson concluded.
In a key milestone for the Australian War Memorial, the Parade Ground is now complete and will host the 2024 ACT RSL Veterans' March, commencing at 9.30 am on Anzac Day.
Anzac Day 2024 will be the last time the Dawn Service will be held in the Sculpture Garden of the Australian War Memorial. From 2025, the Dawn Service will be held on the new Parade Ground.
The southern section of the Development project will open in stages over the next 12 months, allowing the Dawn Service to move to the Parade Ground in 2025.
