The Australian Navy has released photos of before and after the explosion on board the boat of illegal immigrants north of Australia a week ago.

The boat exploded after passengers doused it with petrol in an attempt to force the Navy to escort them to Australia rather than the immigration centre on Christmas Island.

Navy personnel were on the boat at the time of the explosion, and were injured. Five of the passengers were killed.

What stands out from these photos is the instant and compassionate response of armed forces personnel as they rescue and give first aid to illegal immigrants who had no right to be in Australian waters and had deliberately set fire to their own boat.

It is the courage, care, efficiency and self-sacrifice of young men and women like this that we celebrate on ANZAC Day.  Well done. And thanks.

Hilary Clinton also has a few kind words to say about ANZAC Day:

“Anzac Day is a day of respect and remembrance, a day to mark a defining event for Australia and New Zealand – Gallipoli – where courage and loyalty demonstrated the intrepid character of two young nations, whose heroes now rest in peace in the soil of a friendly country,” Senator Clinton said in a statement on Friday.

The US recognised the significance of the Anzac tradition and Americans joined with Australians in remembering those lost in battle, she said.

“Along with you, we pay our respects and express gratitude to your dedicated troops,” Senator Clinton said. “Most importantly, along with you, we remember.”