Subscribe
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Soldiers of Train, Advise and Assist Command-South observed a dawn remembrance service April 25, 2018, led by Australian service members on Kandahar Airfield.
The early morning service in honor of Anzac Day, which is very similar to Memorial Day in the U.S., is a time of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand for those who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
“Anzac Day is perhaps the most important day of the year in the military,” said Capt. Jason Law, an Australian army officer and the force protection officer for TAAC-South. “By observing the service here I felt a connection to my family at home.”
As a part of coalition NATO forces, Australian army and air force officers work among U.S. service members within the TAAC-South headquarters.
“I had never heard of Anzac Day until arriving in theater and starting to work with our Australian partners,” said Capt. James Lockett, the command group operations officer for TAAC-South. “It was interesting to learn about the history from my Australian colleagues as we approached Anzac Day.”
The TAAC-South Australian service members coordinated the observance and invited TAAC-South U.S. Soldiers to experience the ceremony, which included a prayer, a history reading of past battles, a moment of silence and a wreath laying.
“It was particularly nice to celebrate with U.S. Forces,” said Law. “Because we are smaller in numbers we see a lot of U.S. culture, so to be able to share our culture with them made for a positive experience.”
While Anzac Day recognizes the sacrifices of all service members, the biggest focus of the remembrance is for the Gallipoli Campaign where 8,709 Australian service members gave their lives during World War I.
“Experiencing the ceremony was meaningful,” said Lockett. “It gave me pause and an appreciation to recognize the sacrifices and service of the Australian forces.”
TAAC-South, commanded by Brig. Gen. John Lathrop, is comprised of Soldiers from the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard and the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
| Date Taken: | 05.06.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 05.07.2018 02:21 |
| Story ID: | 275941 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF |
| Hometown: | COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US |
| Hometown: | FORT CARSON, CO, US |
| Hometown: | LOS ALAMITOS, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 142 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, TAAC-S Soldiers observe Australian holiday, by MAJ Richard Barker, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
LEAVE A COMMENT