Professor Warner and Mr Gutwein laid wreaths at the flagpoles of the flag of Tasmania and the Australian Aboriginal Flag.

"Anzac Day is not just about commemorating the history of sacrifice in wars," Professor Warner said.

"It is also a time to commemorate our shared values of mateship, self-sacrifice, egalitarianism, courage, resilience and respect. This year, with this pandemic to fight, control and defeat, these values are so important."

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Professor Warner called on Tasmanians to think about the Anzac spirit and incorporate it in the way they treat others during the coronavirus pandemic.

"In the early days of this pandemic I received a very distressed letter from an International student," Professor Warner said.

"She explained that when on her way to volunteer with the Red Cross, she was confronted by a middle-aged Anglo-Australian woman who gestured angrily at her.

"At the end of this crisis we do not want to feel shame about the way we have looked after the most vulnerable in our community, nor shame because there are people here who have been vilified or demonised because of their race. Let us remember those values of egalitarianism, respect, dignity, tolerance and unselfish service, the unselfish service we are seeing from our armed services today."

Premier Peter Gutwein said Anzac Day was a time to "celebrate the bravery and valour of those who have given their all to defend our state, our country and our way of life".

"Whether that is shining a light at dawn, or having a moment of quiet reflection, today is the day we celebrate," Mr Gutwein said.

"For those who have served and for those who have fallen. Lest we forget."