A moving Anzac Day dawn service to commemorate soldiers who paid the ultimate price on the battlefield was held at the Suva Military Cemetery yesterday.
While delivering her address, New Zealand High Commissioner Charlotte Darlow said New Zealand and Australia’s shared military history with Fiji was of special significance.
“Standing here today (yesterday) there is a shared sense of unity, comradeship, and collective security, but it is important to remember that today’s peace comes from the hard work and sacrifice of previous generations,” she said.
“Fiji, Australia and New Zealand, alongside other regional partners, have all been part of that story.
“While we remember our Anzac story, today (yesterday) is also a day to celebrate our shared connection points. Our military relationship with both Fiji and Australia continues to be underpinned by the enduring ties between our people, who not only continue to work side by side overseas for the cause of international peace and security, but also closer to home in our own communities.”
She said Australia, New Zealand and Fiji had all been there for each other in times of national tragedies and disasters.
“New Zealand is still dealing with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle and will be for some time yet, but the swift and unreserved support offered by both Fiji and Australia as the scale of devastation became known, speaks to our shared values of manaaki — kindness or the reciprocity of goodwill; and of whanaunga — our connectedness or shared sense of humanity.”
Australia’s Chargé D’Affaires to Fiji Stuart Watts said the event also highlighted the strong Australia-Fiji partnership.
“We continue to grow our defence and security cooperation and demonstrate the value of the Pacific responding as one to the region’s crisis,” he said.
“Australia is deeply committed to working in partnership with the Pacific family to achieve our shared vision for a peaceful, prosperous and resilient region.”
Present at the service was Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Pio Tikoduadua, Fiji Navy Commander Humphrey Tawake, Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew, President of the Returned Soldiers and Ex- Servicemen Ratu Peni Volavola, members of the ex-servicemen and members of the disciplined forces.
