23 April 2007
New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel will be spread from Northland to Invercargill providing support to a wide variety of commemorative activities to mark one of New Zealand’s most significant days, Anzac Day, this Wednesday 25 April.
Dawn and civic ceremonies will be held at war memorials and town halls around the country.
In Wellington the Vice Chief of Defence Force, Air Vice-Marshal David Bamfield, will attend a Dawn Service at the Cenotaph.
“On Anzac Day we remember those lost during our Nation’s wars and conflict; their courage, commitment, comradeship and integrity,” said Air Vice-Marshal Bamfield.
The National Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the National War Memorial in Wellington will be attended by the Governor General of New Zealand, The Honorable Anand Satyanand, Her Worship the Mayor of Wellington, Kerry Prendergast, Secretary of Defence John McKinnon, Air Vice-Marshal David Bamfield and Defence Force personnel.
At the National War Memorial in Buckle Street NZDF personnel will provide a dawn to dusk vigil over the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.
At the commemorative service at Gallipoli the NZDF will be represented by the Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson. Anzac Day services will also be held wherever NZDF personnel are on missions overseas including Afghanistan, Korea, the Sudan, and the Solomon Islands.
Over 670 New Zealand Defence Force personnel will be serving overseas in 19 countries this Anzac Day.
ENDS
For further information please contact Ally Clelland, Defence Public Relations
04 496 0273 or 021 569 130