|
|
|
EXTRA
! ! EXTRA ! ! EXTRA ! !
|
| <
NEWS |
|
|
|
|
Dateline
- April 18, 2008
Minister
urges all to take part in ANZAC Day |
| |
Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Alan Griffin, today encouraged
all Australians to remember the men and women who have served
our nation in times of war and peace on Anzac Day. "April
25 is an important part of Australia's history. It is a time for
all Australians to acknowledge the contribution of those who have
served and defended our country at home and abroad," Mr Griffin
said. "In almost every city and town throughout Australia,
people will gather on Anzac Day to honour our veterans and the
serving members of the Australian Defence Force."
"I encourage all Australians to take part in these services
to show respect for the more than 102,000 Australians who made
the ultimate sacrifice. In particular, I ask parents to bring
their children to Anzac Day services-to connect with veterans,
learn their stories and encourage a life-long appreciation of
service to our nation. The families of deceased veterans may wish
to honour their relatives by wearing their relatives' medals on
their right breast."
"Many Australians will also journey to other locations around
the world to take part in commemorative activities at Gallipoli,
Turkey; Villers-Bretonneux, France; Hellfire Pass, Thailand; Isurava,
Papua New Guinea; London, England; Long Tan in Vietnam; Sandakan,
Malaysia and many other locations."
Mr Griffin said that it has been 93 years since the landings at
Gallipoli.
"Since that first Anzac Day, the Anzac ideals of determination,
courage and service have continued in Australia's defence personnel.
From Gallipoli the Australian Imperial Force served on the Western
Front where Australia suffered great losses. 2008 marks the 90th
anniversaries of the final battles of the war, including at Villers-Bretonneux,
where this year a special Anzac Day Dawn Service will be held.
The Australian Light Horse went from Gallipoli to the Middle East
serving in a campaign that included the famous Light Horse charge
at Beersheba. This year, Australia will dedicate a new memorial
to the Australian Light Horse in the city now called Be'er-Sheva
in Israel."
"We also remember the men and women who will spend Anzac
Day serving our nation overseas, from East Timor to Iraq." |
|