"Lest we forget": Samoa marks ANZAC Day
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Samoa had marked the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (A.N.Z.A.C.) Day in the early hours of Monday morning in front of the Apia Clock Tower.
Due to Lockdown restrictions, attendance was limited to invites only, and was livestreamed on the RSA Facebook page.
British High Commissioner to Samoa David Ward.
Photo: Savali Newspaper/Facebook
A.N.Z.A.C Day is observed on the 25th of April each year to honor the members of the A.N.Z.A.C. who served in the Gallipoli campaign, which was their first engagement in World War One.
The service was attended by the Head of State His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, the Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, members of the Returned Service Association (R.S.A.), and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
"Lest we forget, this very morning on the shore of Gallipoli in Turkey 107 years ago, the soldiers of the British Allies including Australia and New Zealand marked their arrival to World War One with the landing in Gallipoli," Fiame said in her keynote address on Monday morning.
"At Gallipoli Australians and New Zealanders served with soldiers from other nations including England, France, and India. The Australians and New Zealanders at Gallipoli came from all sorts of backgrounds but they each shared the terrible experience of war.
(L-R) Minister of Agriculture Laauli Leuatea Schmidt, British High Commissioner to Samoa David Ward, and Ambassador of Japan to Samoa Keisuke Senta
Photo: Savali Newspaper/Facebook
"History pointed out that for more than 100 years the men and women in the New Zealand and Australian Navy, Army, and Airforce have honored the memory of the original ANZACs.
Fiame added that sons and daughters of Samoa and American Samoa continue to serve with dignity and honor, their respect of calling to protect our world and its people and to ensure that our nation is sustained and secured.
"This morning, along with New Zealanders and Australians across the world, we gather to remember those who have served to defend our world, the Pacific region and Samoa through active service and peacekeeping missions," she said.
"We remember and honor all people who have served and those who continue to serve in the Australian and New Zealand Armed Forces including the sons and daughters of Samoa.
"We also honor veterans who are with us this morning and we remember with much appreciation those who have passed on. We know that their sacrifices, their commitment and dedication will live on in the spirit of ANZAC Day.
Fiame concluded by declaring that they stand in solidarity against the crimes and harms of war, against the discrimination and victimisation of their generations especially the most vulnerable including the elderly, children, and people with disabilities who have been unfairly marginalised and displaced by the effects of war.
"Lest we forget," she said.
The Prime Minister's address was followed by the wreath laying service by members of the Government of Samoa, R.S.A., and members of the diplomatic corps.