Anzac Day Service Strengthens Unity and Faith 

Members and guests of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participated in what the Hon Sam Lotu-liga called a "unifying" Anzac Day service in the Auckland suburb of Royal Oak this morning.

The Minister of Local Government, Minister for Ethnic Communities, Minister for Pacific Peoples, and Associate Minister of Health remarked that the service showed that people from different cultures and backgrounds could come together to remember those who had served their country and fought for freedom.

Mr Lotu-liga was joined by other government, military, church and community leaders at this morning's service at the Pah Road meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Among other dignitaries in attendance were: Mark Brunton, Air Commodore and Deputy Chief of the New Zealand Air Force; Julie Fairey, Chairman of the Puketapapa Local Board, Auckland Council; and former Member of Parliament and ex-serviceman, William Gudgeon.

Representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were Anthony Wilson, president of the Auckland New Zealand Mt Roskill Stake, and his wife, Makere Wilson; Brent Buckner, director for temporal affairs for the Church in the Pacific Area, and his wife, Debbie Buckner; Elder Scott Seamons, executive secretary to the Pacific Area Presidency, and his wife, Susan Seamons. 

Remarks by speakers focused on giving thanks and honour to those who have previously served and also those who currently serve their nation in defence of freedom for all. The importance of people today, especially youth, living lives worthy of the sacrifices of past generations was also stressed.

"ANZAC" stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and Anzac Day is commemorated each year on 25 April by millions of New Zealanders, Australians and others. 

Latter-day Saints are joining with others across the South Pacific today in other community Anzac commemoration services.