New Zealand pays tribute to veterans on Anzac Day

The Veterans Minister from New Zealand, Meka Whaitiri, encourages all New Zealanders to find a way to mark Anzac Day this year.

“Anzac Day commemorates all those who have served and those who continue to serve. It is a day of reflection and no matter where in the world Kiwis are, I encourage them to pause and acknowledge that service,” he said. Meka Whitiri.

“Whether it’s attending a sunrise service or parade here in New Zealand’s towns, cities and rural communities, or standing alongside fellow Kiwis at Anzac events abroad, we can all take a few minutes to acknowledge the lives forever altered by world events,” the minister continued.

“There is a personal cost to every global conflict, and together we must unite around those who paid the ultimate price, as well as recognize the New Zealanders who returned home changed by the mental and physical scars of the conflict.”

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He added: “While veterans of the historic conflicts in Gallipoli and World War I are no longer with us, personnel from more recent deployments such as East Timor and Afghanistan continue to serve our nation with pride, and we can also render tribute”.

“We recently saw the professionalism and dedication of the New Zealand Defense Forces in the response to Cyclone Gabrielle. Once again our people went into action to evacuate, supply and support affected communities. That continued service of contemporary personnel is a living reminder of the commitment embodied in Anzac Day,” said Whaitiri.

Anzac Day commemorates all those who have served and those who continue to do so

“It is vitally important that we continue to learn from our past, which is why I am so inspired by those who came before us and their stories. In Gallipoli itself, the words of Chaplain Henare Te Wainohu, ‘Be brave! Be brave!” now have a physical space in the local Maori pah.

“May we remember all those who have served, and those who continue to serve, today and every Anzac Day. Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou (We will always remember them),” Meka Whaitiri concluded.