Stunning pictures capture the most powerful moments of Anzac Day 2019

Hundreds of thousands of Australians remembered those who paid the ultimate price while defending their country during the annual Anzac Day commemorations.

Held each year on April 25, Anzac Day is a time for those enjoying the freedoms of living in Australia to think about those who fought and died in wars across the world.

Powerful pictures from this year's commemorations included a re-enactment of a burial at sea, a traditional Maori greeting shared by Prince William and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and tearful veterans taking a moment to acknowledge the mates they had lost.

Elephant Rock on the Gold Coast was illuminated in vivid red hues during dawn service at Currumbin Beach, while the perpetual flame at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance burned as people gathered to pay their respects.

Heavily-armed police officers guarded ceremonies throughout Australia and New Zealand, alert for any possible signs of terrorism in the wake of the devastating Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka which killed more than 300 people.

Snipers were seen perched on roofs, poised and ready to fire in case of any disturbance.

Gypsy O'Dea (left), granddaughter of late Australian second world war veteran and former prisoner of war Neil Macpherson, is consoled by a member of Australia's Defense Forces at the Hellfire Pass section of the Thai-Burma railway in Thailand

Held each year on April 25, Anzac Day is a time for those enjoying the freedoms of living in Australia to think about those who fought and died in wars across the world

Powerful pictures from this year's commemorations included a burial at sea re-enactment (pictured), a traditional Maori greeting shared by Prince William and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and tearful veterans taking a moment to acknowledge the mates they had lost