CHANNELBALI Denpasar | This morning, the Australian Consulate-General in Bali, along with colleagues from the Australian Defence Force and representatives of the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta, held a dawn service to commemorate Anzac Day.
Anzac Day, which falls on 25 April each year, is one of Australia’s most important national commemorative occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces, alongside allies, during the First World War on the shores of the Gallipoli peninsula in 1915. ‘ANZAC’ stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
This morning’s dawn service commemorated the sacrifice of Australians and New Zealanders who have served their country in military or peacekeeping operations, those who continue to serve, and the families that support them.
“Today we remember, with immense gratitude, the enormous sacrifices made by so many, to help protect the way of life on which we depend, and which we value, so very greatly,” said Consul-General of Australia in Bali, Jo Stevens.
Consul-General Jo Stevens, Vice Consul at the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta, Josh Bibby, Australian Air Force Attaché, Group Captain Ken Bowes, and representative of the UK Government, John Makin, laid wreaths in memory of the Anzacs’ sacrifice. Counsellor and Consul, Kura Hakaraia, of the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta and Australian Assistant Air Force Attaché, Flight Sergeant Rachel Pidgeon, recited traditional Anzac Day poems.
Representatives from Australia’s veteran community led the flag raising ceremony.
Representatives of the Australian Defence Force, Australian Federal Police, Indonesian National Defence Force (TNI), Bali Regional Police, Bali Provincial Government, and Badung Regency and City of Denpasar Governments, as well as around 255 Australians and New Zealanders, also attended the service. (DR)
