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AAP
AAP
Farid Farid

Harbour sunset service pays tribute to fallen soldiers

Crowds have filled the Sydney Opera House forecourt for the Lest We Forget Harbour Sunset Tribute. (Nadir Kinani/AAP PHOTOS)

A poem written more than a century ago during World War I has provided a moving backdrop for an Anzac eve event.

The Ode of Remembrance is the fourth stanza of the poem For the Fallen, penned by English poet and writer Laurence Binyon and first published in September 1914.

The ode, recited by Anzac forces to honour wartime sacrifices, has been a staple of remembrance services since 1921.

As the sun set on Friday, its memorable words "at the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them" rang out across the Sydney Opera House. 

The Lest We Forget Harbour Sunset Tribute
Crowds at the sunset event gathered to remember fallen Australian servicemen and women. (Nadir Kinani/AAP PHOTOS)

Ahead of nationwide Anzac Day events on Saturday, thousands of people, young and old, gathered at the harbour forecourt to remember those who lost their lives serving their country.

A full orchestra and featured artists including Patricia "Little Pattie" Amphlett performed as rowboats carrying Surf Lifesaving volunteers from various clubs dotted the harbour and military ships sailed past.

Bagpipe-playing veteran Warrant Officer Andrew Iverson also performed as part of the solemn event.

Former governor-general and defence force chief Sir Peter Cosgrove was among those in attendance.

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