The solemn tone of the Kings Park dawn service was fractured on Saturday morning when a small number of people in the crowd booed Indigenous veteran Di Ryder who was giving an acknowledgement of country address.

The response from the RSLWA was immediate and searing. After Ms Ryder finished, an emotional Mr Barton declared, “that was the most disgusting thing I have ever heard,” prompting a wave of supportive applause.

At the conclusion of the service, he stood firm, asserting, “We will continue to acknowledge country, we will not be bullied.”

Nearly 30,000 Western Australians gathered to honour Australians fallen from two world wars and other conflicts. It also marked the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.

The crowd surpassed last year’s attendance of 26,000, with some eager attendees securing their front row position with camp chairs as early as 7pm on Friday night.

By 5.30am, the precinct was packed, with families clutching warm tea and coffee while children, rugged up in beanies and coats, proudly displayed the medals of their parents and grandparents.

As the 6am ceremony began, the temperature hit a brisk 8 degrees.

Notable attendees included Premier Roger Cook, Chris Dawson, Paul Papalia, Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds, and Basil Zempilas, alongside RSLWA State President Duncan Anderson and CEO Stephen Barton, who served as MC.

Representing the Prime Minister was Patrick Gorman.

Commemorative speaker Damien Bushell thanked those who served for their loyalty and determination.

“We remember their courage, their sacrifice and the enduring spirit forged in the crucible of war,” he said.

“The young men who landed at Anzac Cove faced unimaginable hardship. They were ordinary Australians from all walks of life, thrust into extraordinary circumstances, yet amid chaos, danger and loss, they displayed remarkable resilience, a fierce loyalty to their mates and an unwavering determination to do their duty.”

He added: “We also acknowledge the families of our veterans and service personnel, those who serve alongside their loved ones in quiet ways, bearing absence, anxiety and loss and whose strength and sacrifice are essential to service, both then and now.”

Mr Bushell highlighted the importance of gathering on Anzac Day to remember the sacrifices made by our service men and women.

“The sacrifices of those who served laid the foundation for the freedoms and way of life we cherish, we carry a sacred duty to remember their service, to honour their memory, and to ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain,” Mr Bushell said.

Group Captain Peter Noak read a letter from Private Edward Mason, a 45-year-old Murchison miner who had lied about his age to enlist in 1915. Writing to his children on the eve of battle in 1916, Private Mason said: “Just a parting word as it is possible you may not hear from me again.”

The letter was a reminder of the brutal reality faced by many.

“Only those who have been in this infernal machine can realise what it really is,” Pte Mason wrote.

“The artillery is now, and has been for hours, pouring shells into their trenches in thousands, and when they have finished we have to charge with bayonets and hold the trenches.”

Speaking after the ceremony, Premier Roger Cook praised the massive turnout, describing the dawn service as a vital act of “peace and respect.”

He also did not hesitate to call out the earlier heckling.

“For anyone to disrespect one of our elders and a veteran themselves is just disgusting and disrespectful,” Mr Cook said,

Mr Cook commended Mr Barton for “calling that disgraceful act out.”

WA Police said 15 move on orders were issued in relation to dawn service disruptions in WA.

RSLWA State President Duncan Anderson shared the Premier’s frustration, labelling those responsible “cretins” who had turned their backs on the spirit of the day.

“Anzac Day, particularly the dawn service, is a politics free zone,” Mr Anderson said.

“Di Ryder is a proud veteran, and not only did they disrespect her heritage, they disrespected the fact that she’s a veteran.”

Despite the interruption, he felt the morning was an “absolute success,” noting that the increasing participation of school-aged children offered a sense of hope for the future.

For many, this morning’s dawn service was a generational bridge.

Ex-serviceman Ross Ledger, 89, was visibly proud to attend with his eldest grandson, 33-year-old Tom Ledger.

“I always come,” the veteran said.

“It’s great to be sharing it with family and it makes me really proud. I will make the effort to be here for as long as I can because it’s an important message.”

Nearby, 65-year-old Ben Casey beamed as he introduced his grandchildren to the tradition for the first time.

“I come every year with my daughters, we have never missed a year,” he said.

While young Eden, 3, Quinten, 6, Cole, 4, and Gabriel, 5, were busy playing with their Anzac Day flags, their grandfather emphasised the gravity of the morning.

“It’s wonderful,” Mr Casey said.

“This is the first time we have brought the grandkids. It’s important to keep that memory going and understand what we’ve done in the past so we don’t repeat it.”

Reflecting on their experience, he added, “They loved it. It was hard keeping them quiet for that minute but they managed.”

For veterans Christopher and Kirsten Wright, 41 and 34, passing on the legacy to their children, Olivia, 8, and Byron, 7, is paramount.

“We like to come down to Kings Park every year to do our dawn service,” Mr. Wright said.

“It means a lot to pass on the customs and traditions.”

While the young ones were quick to declare the Government House hot chocolate the highlight of the morning, their parents — who served a combined 33 years in the defence force — ensured the significance of the day remained the focus.

Long-time attendee John McPherson, 78, joined the crowd at the park, finding solace in the shared experience.

“The camaraderie is always good come Anzac week,” he said.

“There’s a whole lot of things going on that bring back mainly good memories and bring everyone together again.”