Australians Host Australia New Zealand Army Corps Day of Remembrance

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jorge Saucedo | Flag Orderlies Australian Army Corporal Richard Johnston (left) and Private Matthew Goodwin as well as other service members salute the Australian Flag during the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Day Dawn Service in Kuwait City, Kuwait, April 25. The ceremony marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The ceremony is also to remember all those who died on April 25, 1915 in Gallipoli and all who have served and died in all the wars.  

KUWAIT, KUWAIT

08.14.2009

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kim Harris 

Media Transition Team - Kuwait

KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait - America celebrates a day of remembrance for those who have died in the pursuit of freedom. Memorial Day is a national holiday that has been set aside to remember those who served and died defending their country.

This concept is not unique to the United States. Nations and countries around the world have been forged through the sacrifice of lives in time of war. Australia New Zealand Army Corps Day is April 25, and is for remembering the contributions of Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought during WWI. ANZAC Day gives recognition for the sacrifices made by Australian, New Zealand and Turkish soldiers who fought and died during the Gallipoli campaign in 1915.

ANZAC Day the most important national occasion for Australian service members stationed on foreign shores. The sunrise memorial in Kuwait was attended by over 420, including a large contingent of serving Australian Defense Force personnel, as well as members of the Australian and New Zealand community in Kuwait. Among the group, were individuals who are here because of their sense of conviction to this cause.

Catherine Milder is a primary school teacher for the British School of Kuwait and a native Australian; she was in attendance because, "It is a really important day for us, to remember all the soldiers," Milder said. She went onto say, "back home there are many events held on this day," "It is important to teach the children about this," said Milder.

David Bevan has attended the ANZAC celebrations in Kuwait for three years. He supports the ANZAC day commemorations because he has prior service in the military. Bevan said, "My father and grandfather served in both wars, my grandfather was killed in the World War I and my father was in World War II," His father eventually died as a result of injuries he suffered during the war.

Judy Leonard is from Tauranga, New Zealand, but now lives in Kuwait. She said, "She has paid her respect to the fallen" for the past seven years because she has a son serving in the military.

New Zealander, Kate Heal was present with her husband, all decked out in his uniform, and her young son. Kate is married to a British army officer. She refers affectionately to her family as kiwis. She said this is their first time attending the dawn commemoration in Kuwait, but in New Zealand they gather every year.

The crowd listened to a long list of dignitaries and among the distinguished guests was the Australian Ambassador to Kuwait, His Excellency Mr. Glenn Miles. During Ambassador Miles' address to the crowd, he said that as a result of the occurrences' on that day "the birth of a nation was brought about" and "they have a deepened shared respect now."

Sgt. Craig Goody is a member of the Force Support Unit-One Middle East Area of Operations. He participated in the ceremony and says that he wishes to "show his respect for the fallen of all wars." Sgt Goody and his team of eight armed post worked diligently and tirelessly for bring honor, dignity and respect to the recognition of ANZAC heroes.

Charge d' Affaires, Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Kuwait, Eyelem Tandogan left the crowd with a quote from Turkish Memorial to the Australian Fallen, "This event has altered the flow of the history of our country; it established a new independent country, after having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well." ANZAC Day commemoration did more than just recognized the sacrifices that Turkey and the Allied Forces made in WWI. It brought together former adversaries and made them comrades.

• Date Taken: 08.14.2009
• Date Posted: 08.14.2009 07:52
• Story ID: 37484
• Location: KUWAIT, KW