The spirit of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Day continues to live on today!

Those were the remarks made by Republic of Fiji Military Forces retired Captain Laitia Taga during the special service to mark ANZAC Day at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, Coral Coast, yesterday.

It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as ANZACS and the pride they took in that name endures to this day.

“We remember those men of the landing, and the many more reinforcements who joined them in the eight-month campaign, which remain our touchstone in terms of courage, endurance and comradeship,” Captain Tagi said.

“ANZAC Day remains a great unifying force not only between Australia and New Zealand, but also to most Commonwealth countries like Fiji that served in campaigns for the call of freedom.”

The ANZAC Day is the commemoration of heroes who sacrificed their lives for their country in upholding their finest quality of cour-

age, commitment and endurance. “We stand together to commemorate that great, yet fateful landing at Gallipoli on April 25th 1915,” he said.

“We pay tribute to the thousands

of young ANZAC heroes who sacrificed their lives for their country in upholding their finest qualities of courage, commitment and endurance.

“It is more than 100 years ago that the world witnessed the heroic and selfless actions of some of our Australian and New Zealand young men who gave their lives during their call of duty.”

A daughter of a World War II veteran, Frances Michael, said the service was really important for the family because they have been part of the event mainly because of the

dedication and the service of her late father.

Ms Michael said her dad passed away one year ago today at the age of 99.

“He was part of the World War II and that is why the service today is really important to our family as we remember his life today. We really love Fiji and the beauty of it,” she said.

The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort acting general manager,Russell Blaik said the resort truly understood the significance of the tradition.

He said it was a privilege to host an event where guests and the local community were part of it for some year now.

ANZAC Day, April 25, is one of Australia and New Zealand’s most important national occasions.

Edited by Percy Kean

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