Australian Embassy
The Philippines

MR1704- Australia, New Zealand Commemorate ANZAC Day

AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND COMMEMORATE ANZAC DAY

The Australian and New Zealand Embassies in Manila have organised commemorative rites for ANZAC Day 2007 to honour Australians and New Zealanders who have lost their lives in time of war and in the cause of peace.

Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War One. ANZAC was the name given to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps which landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey early on the morning of 25 April 1915.

On 25 April 2007, members of the Australian and New Zealand communities, the diplomatic corps, including the Turkish Embassy, and representatives from Philippine Government agencies will gather at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) in Fort Bonifacio to commemorate the unwavering courage of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers and to reflect on the dead in all wars.

“Anzac Day is probably Australia’s most important national occasion. The landing and the subsequent campaign throughout 1915 had a profound impact on Australians at home 92 years ago and it still does today. The Australian and New Zealand troops’ actions bequeathed an intangible but powerful legacy, becoming an important part of the national identity of both nations. For us, ANZAC Day also has a powerful resonance in the Philippines, given the thousands of young Australians who served in this theatre during the Second World War, including in the key Battle of the Philippine Sea,” Australian Ambassador Tony Hely said.

In Australia, commemorative services are held at dawn, the time of the original landing, across the nation. Later in the day ex-servicemen and women meet and join in marches through the major cities and many smaller centres. Commemorative ceremonies are held at war memorials around the country.

Members of the public wishing to attend this ceremony in Manila should assemble by 6:30am. Official guests will be welcomed from 7:00am, and the service will commence promptly at 7:15am. A ‘gunfire breakfast’ will be available following the ceremony.

People attending are encouraged to wear medals. Personal medals should be worn on the left breast; medals of family members should be worn on the right breast.

Organisations and individuals wishing to lay wreaths should contact Ms Guia Ventura on 757-8130; fax 757 8329; email [email protected]. For more information on Anzac day, visit the Australian Embassy website at www.australia.com.ph.