PA/15/14 25 April 2014
AUSTRALIANS COMMEMORATE ANZAC DAY
Dawn service at Delhi’s historic war cemetery
Australians and New Zealanders today remembered their servicemen and women who have served their nation in war and during peacekeeping operations.
At a dawn ceremony here at the historic Delhi War Cemetery, the Australian and New Zealand communities paid tribute to war veterans and those who have laid down their lives in the service of their nation. On 25 April each year, over 150 people attend the ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Delhi, including official representatives from a range of nations and from the three Indian Military Services. Buglers from the Indian Army played “The Last Post” and “Reveille” at the service.
“Anzac Day commemorates the landing of thousands of Australian and New Zealand troops on the shores of Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, beginning an eight-month long hard-fought campaign. Over 8,700 Australians lost their lives, with more than 2,000 casualties on the first day of the campaign alone,” said Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Mr Patrick Suckling.
“Indian soldiers of the then British Indian Army took part in the Gallipoli campaign alongside Australian troops. Australian servicemen have recorded the camaraderie and cooperation with their counterpart Indian soldiers, all of whom fought in exceptionally difficult circumstances,” Mr Suckling said.
“The Anzac Day commemoration goes beyond the anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day on which Australians remember all of those who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The spirit of Anzac, with its human qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance,” he added.
For information about Anzac Day, including historical information, education resources, visit www.dva.gov.au/anzac