2016 ANZAC Day Dawn Service Featured
ANZAC Day Commemoration at Gallipoli 2015
Nuku'alofa, 15 April 2016. ANZAC Day 2016 will be observed on Monday 25 April to commemorate servicemen and women from Tonga, Australia and New Zealand who fought and died in the interests of world peace.
While Gallipoli was the first major combat role for Australian and New Zealand forces in the First World War, this year marks the 100th anniversary of their service on the Western Front (France and Belgium) in the Battle of the Somme, with the support of Pacific Island nations, including Tonga. It was on the Western Front that ANZAC forces made the greatest contribution to the First World War.
For Tongans, New Zealanders and Australians, 25 April has become a day of national reflection, as we pause to remember and honour men and women who have served and sacrificed in war, conflicts and peace operations. It is a time to remember those who returned and those who did not and also reflect on the impact their service had on those who remained at home.
To commemorate ANZAC day in Tonga, a Dawn Service will be held at 6.00am on Monday 25 April at the Cenotaph at Pangai. Captain Sila Siufanga, Regional Commander of the Salvation Army, will be the Officiating Minister.
The New Zealand and Australian High Commissions invite members of the public to attend this year’s Dawn Service. All those attending are asked to be seated by 5.45am. Medals may be worn.
NZHC Tonga
