20 April 2010 15:00
New Zealanders and Australians commemorate Anzac Day in London 25 April
Three thousand New Zealanders and Australians are expected to gather at a dawn service on Hyde Park corner, Sunday morning, 25 April, to commemorate Anzac Day
editor@newzelandtimes.co.uk
New Zealand High Commissioner Derek Leask said the occasion was an important one for New Zealanders and Australians.
"As well as commemorating the courage and sacrifice of the New Zealand and Australian Army Corps at Gallipoli in 1915, Anzac Day offers Kiwis and Australians the chance to remember and honour their fellow countrymen and women who have died in war, and those still serving.”
“Anzac Day is an occasion to recognise the shared sacrifices New Zealand and Australia have made, and the joint role both countries continue to play today in promoting regional and international security and stability in places as diverse as Afghanistan, Timor Leste and the Pacific.”
Australian High Commissioner John Dauth said the service attracted not just Australian and New Zealand ex-service personnel, but people of all ages, and of other nationalities.
“We are always pleased to see the different generations who attend the Anzac Day service each year. This year, as ever, all will be welcome.”
Anzac Day commemorations have been taking place in different forms in London since 1916. Today, in the continuing spirit of Anzac, the dawn service is held in alternating years at each country’s memorial, located diagonally opposite each other at Hyde Park Corner, with wreath-laying each year at both.
Anzac Day commemorations in London include the dawn service at Hyde Park Corner; a wreath-laying parade and ceremony at the Cenotaph on Whitehall; and a service of commemoration at Westminster Abbey.
Both High Commissioners welcome New Zealanders, Australians and friends to attend these events.
ANZAC Day events in London:
5am: Dawn service, New Zealand Memorial, Hyde Park Corner
Before the first light of dawn, the call of a lone conch will announce the beginning of the ceremony. The ceremony will be followed by a wreath-laying at the Australian Memorial.
8am: Whitehall wreath-laying parade and ceremony
On the first chime of Big Ben, representatives of the New Zealand and Australian High Commissions lay wreaths together. They are followed by representatives of other countries whose armed forces fought in the Gallipoli campaign, along with various service and ex-service organisations.
9am: Westminster Abbey commemoration service
An hour-long service, for which attendees must obtain complimentary tickets in advance. The service has a particular Antipodean flavour: Ngati Ranana, comprising members of London’s Maori community, will perform a waiata (song).
For details on Anzac Day events in London and at other UK/European locations, as well as ticket information for the Westminster Abbey service, please also refer to:
New Zealand High Commission
www.nzembassy.com/uk
Australian High Commission
www.uk.embassy.gov.au