New Zealand Embassy commemorates ANZAC Day

Ambassador of New Zealand to Korea Philip Turner speaks during the Anzac Day dawn service commemorating New Zealanders who served and died in wars and other operations, at the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan District, Seoul, April 25. Courtesy of Embassy of New Zealand in Korea

By Kwon Mee-yoo

The Embassy of New Zealand in Korea commemorated Anzac Day through a dawn service and reception, on April 25.

Anzac Day pays tribute to New Zealanders who served and died in wars and other operations. The day marks the anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign, the first engagement of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) in World War I.

The 2022 Anzac Day dawn service was held at the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan District, Seoul, in the morning.

Later on, in the evening, a reception was held at the residence of the ambassador of New Zealand to Korea, Philip Turner.

"Today is a special day, Anzac Day, which is an important and sacred day for both New Zealand and Australia. This is the day that we commemorate the sacrifice of all our armed forces and their families who have served our country in wars around the world, including in Korea, for more than 100 years," Turner said in a speech opening the reception.

"I also want to say today is a big day for New Zealand for three additional and quite special reasons. First, this is the first large-scale event in about two and a half years... Second, I'm delighted to be able to say that from May 1, we will have quarantine-free travel between New Zealand and Korea. Thirdly, we're celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and the Republic of Korea,” he continued.

The ambassador added that he hoped to resume the normal rhythm of diplomatic relations for the rest of this year, mentioning New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's first overseas trip in the last two years, which took place in mid-April.

"We hope to see a number of high-level visitors to Korea from New Zealand over the course of this year," Turner added.

Australia's ambassador to Korea, Catherine Raper, also attended the event.

"It is a very significant day for both of our countries for many reasons, because of the spirit that embodies our people, feeling the need to stand up for people... We commemorate those who have served in these wars, not that we're in favor of war, but a chance to remember their service," ambassador Raper said.