Nauru commemorates 109th Anzac day
Nauru
commemorates 109th Anzac day
The Government of Nauru commemorated the 109th
anniversary of the Australia New Zealand Army Corp (ANZAC) Day in a
dawn service ceremony at the government office in Yaren, 25
April.
Attending his first Anzac Day ceremony as Head of State, His
Excellency President David Adeang laid a wreath on behalf of the
government and people of Nauru, followed by Australian High
Commissioner Sara Moriarty, and Chrissana Scott from the NZ
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
President Adeang remembers the bravery of the ANZACs and the
history of Nauru during global conflicts and hardships of world
wars.
"We solemnly honour not only the gallant ANZACs but also our own
people's steadfastness in the face of hardship. This day reinforces
our dedication to the principles of peace and collaborative
endeavour, recognising the sacrifices made by all.
"Today, we also recognise the pain borne by families, the loss
of friends, and the burden carried back by survivors. We
acknowledge the suffering of all who have been touched by war and
conflict and remind ourselves of our commitment to support
them.
"As the sun rises and sets, we say to those brave men and women,
'Lest we forget'. Let us always remember their sacrifices, their
aspirations for harmony, and their vision for their progeny to
inherit a world more peaceful than their own," President Adeang
said.
High Commissioner Moriarty delivered the Anzac Day commemorative
address honouring the values of the original Anzacs and also
acknowledged the devastation Nauru suffered from the conflicts of
war.
"Today is a day of remembrance. On opportunity for us to honour
and respect those who have served and to remember those who have
made the ultimate sacrifice for their country," Ms Moriarty
said.
Anzac Day is one of the most important dates in Australia's
calendar, first as a day to honour the original Anzacs who fought
on Gallipoli, then later becoming a day for those who served in the
First World War.
"With Australians and New Zealanders experiencing the Second
World War, and the wars, conflicts and many peace keeping
operations that have followed, Anzac day has become an occasion to
honour all who have worn our country's uniform in service."
High Commissioner Moriarty reflected on that service recognising
more than a hundred thousand Australian service men and women who
have lost their lives in military operations carried out in service
to their country.
"Today we reflect on that service. We recognise more than a
hundred thousand Australian service men and women who have lost
their lives in military operations carried out in service to our
country.
"We honour the values that have been invested in the original
Anzacs - loyalty, selflessness, courage and resilience, and the
ways in which later generations have measured their own
achievements against those of the soldiers who fought in that
fateful campaign," Ms Moriarty said.
Poems 'In Flanders Fields' and 'Johnnies and Mehmets' were
recited and the Ode read in the Maori and English languages.
The catafalque party was mounted by the Nauru Police Force and
its brass band played the Last Post followed by a minutes' silence,
then the playing of the Reveille, and the national anthems of
Nauru, Australia, and New Zealand.
On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand
soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to
capture the Gallipoli peninsula. These became known as Anzacs and
the pride they took in that name continues to this day.
At the end of 1915, the allied forces were evacuated. Both sides
suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships.
Australia lost 8,700 soldiers at Gallipoli, while New Zealand
lost 2,700 and more than 34,000 British and 56,000 from the Ottoman
side. At least 100,000 soldiers on both sides lost their lives
during the Gallipoli campaign.
The 25th of April was officially named Anzac Day in 1916.
Commemorative services are held at war memorials at dawn - the time
of the original landing in Gallipoli.
ENDS///