Aussies, Kiwis expand alliance through ANZAC Day
Australian Ambassador to Korea James Choi delivers a speech during the 104th anniversary ceremony of ANZAC Day at the Korean War Memorial in Seoul, April 25. / Embassy of Australia
By Yi Whan-woo
Australia and New Zealand are capitalizing on their joint national day of remembrance to enhance ties with Korea and other allies.
Named after the acronym for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, ANZAC Day is originally to remember the fallen ANZAC soldiers during the Battle of Gallipoli of World War I.
Their first joint campaign during WWI in Gallipoli, Turkey, on April 25, 1915 met fierce resistance from the Ottoman Empire, then an ally of Germany. The campaign dragged on for eight months, resulting in death tolls of over 8,700 from Australia and 2,700 from New Zealand.
On the 104th anniversary of ANZAC Day, the embassies of Australia and New Zealand not only honored ANZAC soldiers but also the soldiers from their allies in all wars and conflicts.
Ambassadors and other representatives from diplomatic missions in Seoul and Commonwealth Korean War veterans join the 104th anniversary ceremony of Anzac Day at Korean War Memorial in Seoul, April 25. / Embassy of Australia
Among the foreign envoys during the anniversary ceremony at Korean War Memorial in Seoul were Australian Ambassador James Choi, New Zealand Ambassador Philip Turner, British Ambassador Simon Smith and Turkish Ambassador Ersin Ercin.
A group of Commonwealth Korean War veterans and other representatives from the diplomatic mission in Seoul joined, too.
“ANZAC Day is a significant event in the hearts and minds of all Australians,” Ambassador Choi said. “Today’s service in Seoul is one of many ANZAC ceremonies across the world that recognize the courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice of our military personnel in all conflicts.”
During the ceremony, guests laid wreaths and poppies followed by a minute’s silence in tribute to those military personnel who had lost their lives and those who continue to serve today.
The “Commemoration to the Fallen” was read by a seven-year old Australian boy, Matthew Bolton.
After the service, guests enjoyed a traditional “gunfire breakfast” of bacon and eggs and coffee served with Australian rum.
Later on April 25, Ambassador Choi hosted a dinner for Australian Korean War veterans. The dinner included a special musical performance by South Korean pop singer Insooni.