ANZAC will be celebrated

Written by Newsline Writers
Friday, 25 April 2008
ANZAC Day is being commemorated in Samoa, although the day itself was not declared a holiday, the same commemorative dawn ceremony is scheduled as usual. The Australian High Commissioner to Samoa yesterday confirmed that they will be hosting the usual activities for ANZAZ Day. Asked as to his thoughts on the day he said: “You don’t need a public holiday to commemorate ANZAC day. It is a powerful service, and I thank the Government of Samoa for acknowledging ANZAC day through the service.” He said, that ANZAC day is a chance for people to pay their respects to those who lost their lives Anzac Day occurs on 25 April. It commemorates all New Zealanders killed in war and also honours returned servicemen and women. The date itself marks the anniversary of the landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers – the Anzacs – on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915. The aim was to capture the Dardanelles, the gateway to the Bosphorus and the Black Sea. At the end of the campaign, Gallipoli was still held by its Turkish defenders. Thousands lost their lives in the Gallipoli campaign: 87,000 Turks, 44,000 men from France and the British Empire, including 8500 Australians. To this day, Australia also marks the events of 25 April. Among the dead were 2721 New Zealanders, almost one in four of those who served on Gallipoli. Anzac Day was first marked in 1916. The day has gone through many changes since then. The ceremonies that are held at war memorials up and down New Zealand, or in places overseas where New Zealanders gather, remain rich in tradition and ritual befitting a military funeral. Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. The pride they took in that name endures to this day, and Anzac Day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand…..NZHistory/Wikipedia/Newsline Comments (2) Subscribe to this comment's feed Mrs written by jacquie McFall Harvey, April 27, 2008 I deeply honor and respect the ANZACs. I hope that the people of Samoa will always remember this day and Honor it even though it is not a public holiday anymore in Samoa. It is a very important day in history and a day that we should reflect and think about those who fought for independence and for the better. My father and my uncle both fought in the war. Their names are inscribed on the monument in Apia. It was always an important day for us kids growing up and learning about history. The memories of my dad polishing his medal (5) and marching proudly for the early services in Apia lives forever in my heart. Even though I have left Samoa 26 years ago I have attended and encouraged my kids to attend any service nearby where we live. One of my brothers flew to Apia to represent our father and uncle and was marching with our fathers medals. I hope that we will honor and respect ANZAC day even though its not declared a public holiday in Samoa anymore. 'Lest we forget' DO YOU KNOW OF ANY LINKS RE: SAMOA'S INVOLVEMENT I written by SENE, April 29, 2008 I'd like to know more about Samoa's connection to ANZAC Day. There is a plaque that has Samoa on it, outside our local library but I've found it difficult to find out any details surrounding Samoa's participation in past wars. If anyone can supply me with relevant links it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Write comment Name Email Title Comment

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