Pretoria, South Africa – April 25, 2024 – Australian High Commissioner Tegan Brink and New Zealand High Commissioner Phil Hewitt joined veterans and South African friends at a dawn service today to commemorate Anzac Day. The service, held at Freedom Park in Pretoria, honored the memory of Australian and New Zealand service members who fell in wars throughout history.
“At dawn today, ANZACs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) remembered the men and women who died or suffered in wars,” said High Commissioner Hewitt. The service also included a reading of words by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, a founder of modern Turkey, reflecting on the shared sacrifice of soldiers on both sides of the Gallipoli Campaign.
“We remember them,” concluded High Commissioner Hewitt.
🌅 Dawn at #FreedomPark as we commemorated #AnzacDay with friends from Australia, South Africa and across the world. Reflected on our shared histories and our aspirations for peace. 🇦🇺 🇿🇦 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/7NuT3A4pHP
— Tegan Brink (@AuHCSouthAfrica) April 25, 2024The Anzac legend stems from the Gallipoli Campaign in World War I, where ANZAC troops faced fierce resistance from Ottoman Turkish forces. Despite a stalemate, the courage and resilience of those who fought there left an enduring legacy.
At dawn today at Freedom Park in Pretoria, ANZACs 🇳🇿 & 🇦🇺 were joined by veterans and friends to remember the men and women who died or suffered in the great tragedy of war.
Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou.
We will remember them. #Anzac2024 @AuHCSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/0YC6L3vlWD
— NZinSouthAfrica (@NZinSouthAfrica) April 25, 2024The Australian and New Zealand High Commissions co-hosted the dawn service, which was followed by a light breakfast. Anzac Day also serves as a day to remember all veterans, both past and present, and to honor those currently serving in their respective defense forces.
Anzac Day dawn service at Freedom Park. Many thanks to the @AuHCSouthAfrica and @NZinSouthAfrica
“ … You, the mothers who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace.” Atatürk https://t.co/155A9aYqGM pic.twitter.com/5ZJF589leI
— Türkiye in South Africa (@TC_PretoryaBE) April 25, 2024This year’s Anzac Day commemoration comes shortly after a celebration of 30 years of democracy in South Africa. On April 20th, Australia partnered with the Apartheid Museum and the IfaLethu Foundation to present the “Resilience and Reflection” exhibition.
Australia was delighted to partner with @apartheidmuseum and #IfaLethu Foundation for the “Resilience and Reflection” exhibition – celebrating 30 years of democracy in 🇿🇦. Check out the 🇦🇺 connection here! 👇 🎥. Credit: @JoburgTodayTV pic.twitter.com/1Zgy4X73LI
— Tegan Brink (@AuHCSouthAfrica) April 20, 2024