An ANZAC Dawn Service was held at Suva Military Cemetery this morning to honour all of the New Zealanders and Australians who have been killed in war, and to honour returned service personnel.
In a joint statement, the Australia and New Zealand High Commissions say this year marks 110 years since the landing of a group of brave New Zealand and Australian soldiers – the ANZACs – on the Gallipoli Peninsula in what is now Türkiye, in 1915 during the First World War.
They say collectively, over 11,000 New Zealand and Australian soldiers lost their lives during the ensuing eight month Gallipoli campaign, in addition to over 100,000 soldiers from elsewhere.
The High Commissions say their High Commissions in Suva join millions of people around the world to remember all of the New Zealanders and Australians who have been killed in war, and to honour returned service personnel.
They say this year marks 110 years since the landing of a group of brave New Zealand and Australian soldiers – the ANZACs – on the Gallipoli Peninsula in what is now Türkiye, in 1915.
The High Commissions say since then, people gather across the world to acknowledge the sacrifice of all those who have died in conflict, and the contribution and suffering of all those who have served.
They say these commemorations generally start with a dawn service, as dawn marks the time of the initial landings at Gallipoli by those soldiers 110 years ago, and holds the symbolism of darkness making way for a new day.
The Commissions say here in Fiji, and across our Pacific region, they know that the spirit of Anzac continues to live strong.
They say they have a deeply shared sense of what it means to make the ultimate sacrifice in times of war, conflict, and through peacekeeping missions throughout the world.
They also says they know what it means to respect and honour all of those who have served, and what it takes to care for those who have been fortunate enough to return home.
The High Commissions say sadly, war and conflict continue to afflict the world and families and friendships continue to be torn apart upon learning that a loved one has lost their life in the line of duty.
They say together, we must do all we can to turn those sacrifices into beacons of peace and hope for a brighter future.
The High Commissions further say we must do all we can to bring life to our Pacific region being an Ocean of Peace; in doing so, we can lead the way for the rest of the world to follow.
They say here in Fiji, in New Zealand, in Australia, in the Pacific region and beyond, we can achieve this by listening, understanding, and learning from each other, fostering tolerance and by working hand in hand and by redoubling our efforts to strengthen democracy and the rules based international order.
The Commissions say we can also achieve this by remembering the ultimate sacrifice that so many have made in the name of these ideals on this day and everyday, and by remembering how precious it is to live in peace and harmony.
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