Members of the armed forces from New Zealand, Australia and Fiji commemorate ANZAC Day

Members of the armed forces from New Zealand, Australia and Fiji, returned servicemen and women, war veterans and members of the community today gathered to commemorate ANZAC Day by observing a traditional Dawn Service, which included the laying of wreaths and a military ceremony at the Suva Military Cemetery.

In a statement, the Australian and New Zealand High Commissions say that they stand in awe of their soldiers’ sacrifice and salute their comradeship, endurance, strength, courage, loyalty, and sense of duty towards their nations.

It says that ANZAC Day offers people an opportunity to pause in order to consider the impact of the First World War and remember the legacy of those who served.

They also pay tribute to the veterans of the Second World War and they acknowledge the valour and sacrifice of all those who served in subsequent conflicts.

Commander of the RFMF Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto laying down his wreath

Also present at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service was Minister for Defence, Inia Seruiratu, Leader of Opposition, Sitiveni Rabuka, Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and Commander of the RFMF Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto and members of the Fiji Military as well as ex-servicemen and women.

The Australian and New Zealand High Commissions say that they honour the service of defence personnel currently deployed overseas in peacekeeping operations and the contributions of their brave men and women who stand in solidarity to fight terrorism, maintain peace and uphold humanity and freedom for our greater good.

They say this year, following the terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand and Australia once more reaffirm their commitment to peace and freedom of faith, determined to uphold the values that they choose to define them and for which so many of their military personnel have given their lives.

The New Zealand and Australian High Commissions have today come together to honour and remember the Australian Imperial and New Zealand Expeditionary Forces who first landed at Gallipoli, Turkey during the First World War in 1915.

Some 8141 Australians and 2779 New Zealand soldiers died during the eight-month Gallipoli campaign.

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