FOUR thousand Australians from myriad backgrounds — — backpackers, tourists, business people and expatriates — gathered at thenew Australian memorial at Hyde Park Corner yesterday.

“To see so many young Australians here this morning, recognising the role of the Anzac tradition, and making sure that the Anzac flame stays burning bright into the future, gives me great hope that the Australian character is still there, and we’re going to make sure that the memory of those brave soldiers is recognised into the future,” Dr [Geoff Gallop] said.

FOUR thousand Australians from myriad backgrounds — — backpackers, tourists, business people and expatriates — gathered at thenew Australian memorial at Hyde Park Corner yesterday.

In a near perfect spring morning, after what has seemed to Australians in London to have been an interminable winter, the largely young crowd formed a semi-circle around the memorial, which was dedicated by the Queen last November.

The site is surrounded by monuments to the British military, including the Wellington Arch.

The moving ceremony was presided over by Liberal senator Alan Ferguson, who with a longstanding interest in veteran affairs saidthe war memorial was proving already to be a key focal point for Australians to remember the legacy of the Anzacs around theworld.

Australian high commissioner Michael L’Estrange also gave a reading. Poems by Gallipoli veterans were read, and hymns sung.

As always, there was The Last Post.

Investment banker Scott Kirkby, 27, who is working in London, described the atmosphere as sombre and respectful.

“I have always gone to dawn services, I have always felt strongly about Anzac Day,” Mr Kirkby said.

“It’s a nationalistic thing. Being away from home you feel stronger about your own country.

“It was very quiet. People were very serious. No one was talking, everyone was listening to the words.”

ABC radio reported that in the French town of Villers- Bretonneux, prayers were led by Western Australian school children who are touring the battlefields of the Western Front.

West Australian Premier Geoff Gallop was reported as saying he was proud that so many young people had attended.

“To see so many young Australians here this morning, recognising the role of the Anzac tradition, and making sure that the Anzac flame stays burning bright into the future, gives me great hope that the Australian character is still there, and we’re going to make sure that the memory of those brave soldiers is recognised into the future,” Dr Gallop said.