Australians and New Zealanders Commemorate ANZAC Day

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across New Zealand, Australia and other parts of the South Pacific joined with others in their communities today to commemorate ANZAC Day.

Elder O. Vincent Haleck, president of the Pacific Area of the Church, said, "ANZAC Day is a day of remembering and honouring those who sacrificed much and those who sacrificed all to safeguard our freedoms today.  We need to remember, lest we forget."

Michele Abel from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commented, “As a family we have attended ANZAC Day dawn services for more than 30 years.”

She continued, “The most moving experiences have been the services held here in Canberra recognising the contributions of my indigenous ancestors - the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia and Maori of New Zealand.”

“Standing in the bush land, side by side with my people,” added Michele, “I feel connected to the lands that my ancestors fought to preserve for us, their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.”

First Counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency, Elder Craig A. Cardon, shared the following: "On this day of remembering, we pay tribute to the sons and daughters of Australia and New Zealand who have given and continue to give their hearts and their lives for their countrymen in securing freedom from tyranny and enabling the freedom to exercise agency. May this liberty come to all."

Elder Ian S. Ardern, also of the Area Presidency, wrote the following: "I watched some of our veterans march this morning in honour of their fallen comrades and reflected on their unselfish service and that of those who have gone before them. How grateful I am to men and women in our armed forces, past and present, and those who support them. We look forward to a day when the world will be without conflict; to a day when there is peace on earth and goodwill to all men."