ANZAC Day in the Pacific
The Pacific region is seen as a key strategic stronghold, especially during times of crisis or wartime. During the two World Wars, competing powers battled in order to claim dominance in this area. The Pacific Islands were pivotal in providing bases for naval and air forces.
Many Pacific people signed up to fight for the allies during World Wars 1 and 2, often enrolling with Australian or New Zealand Military Corps – fighting as ANZACs.
In the Pacific region ANZAC Day is observed with many dawn services to remember those fallen in the first and second World Wars, and to also acknowledge Pacific peoples who have fought in wars since, including Korea, Vietnam and in the Middle East. It is a time to honour returned servicepeople and to remember those who came to the Pacific, who fought and died away from their own homelands.
In the Pacific region this year many ANZAC Day commemorations have been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19.
In Samoa ANZAC Day celebrations are planned to be part of the official program of the 60th Independence Day Anniversary Celebrations. They will partner with Australian and New Zealand High Commissions as well as Returned Services Associations in Samoa.
In New Zealand commemorations are to be confirmed. Up to date information can be found here.
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them. ”
Lest we forget.