Outline of service
This page describes an outline of service that would be appropriate for an ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day or other commemorative service. The service can be adapted to suit the occasion or community traditions. There is flexibility in the choice of prayers, readings and poems, in whether the assembly sing the popular hymns or modern music. The personality of your chosen speaker and the theme of the address given also make your ceremony familiar, yet unique.
This ceremony will take approximately 30 to 40 minutes depending on the length of speeches, hymns and prayers and the number of wreaths to be laid.
Flags should be lowered to half-mast prior to the commencement of the ceremony.
| Activity | Action |
|---|---|
| Catafalque party takes post (if applicable) | Assembly stands |
| Welcome address and introduction of guest speaker | Assembly seated |
| Address by guest speaker (local dignitary, ex-service person, member of the Defence Force) | Assembly seated |
| Hymn | Assembly stands |
| Response to the address (optional) | Assembly seated |
| Prayer | Assembly stands |
| Wreath Laying | Assembly seated |
| The Ode | Assembly stands |
| Last Post | Assembly stands |
| One minute’s sacred silence | Heads bowed |
|
Rouse Flag/s raised | Heads raised |
| Recitation of appropriate poem | Assembly seated |
| National Anthem | Assembly stands |
| Catafalque party dismounts (if applicable) | Assembly stands |
| Closing thanks | Assembly stands |
| Ceremony concludes |
Other resources
For more detail on hymns, prayers, wreaths, the Ode, bugle calls (Last Post, Rouse and Reveille), one minute’s silence, poems and flag protocols, review the following websites:
- ANZAC Day Commemorative Committee Commemoration Services for ANZAC Day
- Department of Veterans' Affairs Anzac Portal
- Australian War Memorial Anzac Day commemoration ceremonies
- Anzac Centenary Arts and Culture Fund ANZAC Centenary website.