Celebrity News

Lest we forget: How celebrities are paying their respects to our diggers this Anzac Day

''To all who gave their life, their courage and bravery for us, people who they will never meet or know, may it never be forgotten.''
Loading the player...

Anzac Day is the one day of the year when Australians and New Zealanders come together to commemorate their war heroes.

After two years of restricted services brought about by the pandemic, we’re finally able to honour our military servicemen and women in the way we used to.

This year, dozens of our favourite Aussie celebrities paid their respects by attending dawn services and marches, while others shared touching tributes to their relatives who fought in war.

Keep scrolling to see how our local stars have commemorated the ANZACs.

(Image: Instagram)

James Stewart

Home and Away alum James Stewart, his wife Sarah Roberts and his daughter Scout got up bright and early for an Anzac Day dawn service.

“Lest we forget,” James captioned this post.

(Image: Instagram)

Sylvia Jeffreys

Today Extra host Sylvia Jeffreys penned a poignant tribute to her late grandfather, Neil Hamilton Russell.

Taking to Instagram, the presenter posted a series of photos of the late sergeant while sharing his history with her fans.

“I have the great honour of speaking about my late Grandpa, Neil Hamilton Russell, at the Coorparoo RSL ANZAC Day Service in Brisbane this morning,” Sylvia, 36, said.

“Grandpa fought in five major campaigns across Syria, Libya, Egypt and New Guinea and was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal for his bravery in Tobruk.

The mother-of-two said her grandfather showed “courage and selflessness in the face of a relentless enemy.”

(Image: Instagram)

Michelle Bridges

Celebrity personal trainer Michelle Bridges said being raised in a military family makes Anzac Day “special in meaning and in memories”

Michelle shared this sweet throwback photo of herself and her grandfather, who served in the Australian military.

“Anzac Day was always a big day in our family and although when young I didn’t go to the dawn service, as I became an adult it became a powerful way to pay respect,” she penned.

“To have marched wearing his medals years ago, was up there as one of the best days of my life. To all who gave their life, their courage and bravery for us, people who they will never meet or know, may it never be forgotten.

“Let’s remind ourselves of these actions as we move into this next chapter of Australia’s history.”

(Image: Instagram)

Kate Ritchie

Radio star Kate Ritchie paid her respects to our servicemen and women by attending a dawn service at Waverly Cemetery in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The former Home and Away star captioned this post: “Grateful for all the good things.. 💕💕💕”

(Image: Instagram)

Todd Lasance

Former Home and Away star Todd Lasance proudly donned his grandfather’s medals to attend a dawn service this morning.

“Lest We Forget. Anzac Day. Proud moment honouring my late Granddad with his WW2 medals, and all those who have served. We will remember them,” he captioned this post.

Loading the player…

Gluten-free Anzac biscuits

(Image: Instagram)

Jimmy Barnes

Aussie rock legend Jimmy Barnes shared this special photo of his granddaughters Ruby and Rosie at the dawn service with their pop, Air Commodore Robert Rodgers AM CSM.

“There are 3 generations of medals in these pics. Bob proudly says that his most important job is Pop. Thank you Anzac families for your Duty and Service,” Jimmy penned.

(Image: Instagram)

Lisa Curry

Olympian Lisa Curry and her beloved pooch Mali visited the War Dog Memorial on the Sunshine Coast at sunrise on Anzac Day.

(Image: Instagram)

Nicholas Cartwright

Home and Away star Nicholas Cartwright took to Instagram on the eve of Anzac Day to encourage his fans to attend a local dawn service.

(Image: Instagram)

Cam Merchant

The former Married At First Sight star shared a poignant photo of a soldier and poppies – a flower that has become a symbol of war remembrance.

“A day to reflect & appreciate the contribution & sacrifices made by all our past & present heroes,” he wrote.

“Our fallen ANZACS (Australian & New Zealand Army Corps) who displayed courage, discipline & self sacrifice in choosing a life of service to their country. Thank you 🙏🏽”

(Image: Instagram)

Rove McManus

TV personality Rove McManus honoured his grandfather and great uncle.

“Wearing my pin today to pay my respects to those who fought over the years to keep our country safe – in particular my Pop who was a WWII POW and my great uncle who was killed in action. We will remember them,” he penned.

Related stories