Latter-day Saints Honour Servicemen and Servicewomen at Anzac Day Dawn Service

Over 300 members and guests of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered yesterday to commemorate Anzac Day at the Church's Pah Road, Mt Roskill meetinghouse.

Minister of Pacific Island Affairs Hon Peseta Sam Lotuliga; Mr Su'a William Sio, Member of Parliament for Mangere; and Mrs Carol Beaumont, Member of Parliament, also attended the service.

Auckland Latter-day Saint returned serviceman, Mr Jay Seymour, was one of the speakers at the service.

Children from several Latter-day Saint congregations participated by placing wreaths in honour of those who have fought to defend New Zealand and other freedom-loving nations.

The Auckland New Zealand Mt Roskill Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, led by President Anthony Wilson, hosted the memorial service.

Addressing the youth at the service, in particular, President Wilson said, “We remember the service of those who have been before. May we each learn a lesson from the past and be willing to think not of ourselves but indeed service to our fellowman, community and country.”

Quoting Latter-day Saint leader, Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985), President Wilson said, “Service to others deepens and sweetens this life while we are preparing to live in a better world. It is by serving that we learn to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems in a fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others, there is less time to be concerned with ourselves! In the midst of the miracle of serving, there is the promise of Jesus that by losing ourselves, we find ourselves!”

Latter-day Saints in other parts of New Zealand and Australia joined with others at memorial services organized by local councils and community groups.

The Church’s Mormon.org website states: “Our faith in God motivates us to be conscientious citizens of our country, state and town. If we keep the big picture in mind, we remember that we're all sons and daughters of God—literal brothers and sisters. By doing our best to be good citizens, we are making the world around us a more beautiful, peaceful and fair place for our own families and our fellow human beings.”

Latter-day Saint apostle, Elder Quentin L. Cook, referred to the distinction between world peace and personal peace in an address in April 2013. “I have been impressed with the doctrinal difference between universal or world peace and personal peace,” he said. “We earnestly hope and pray for universal peace, but it is as individuals and families that we achieve the kind of peace that is the promised reward of righteousness. This peace is a promised gift of the Savior’s mission and atoning sacrifice.”

Watch a video titled “Let not your heart be troubled: A message of peace for Latter-day Saints."