Subj : Governor-General's Anzac Day speech: 'We honour all who have served'
To   : All
From : News
Date : Thu Apr 25 2024 12:39 pm

As New Zealanders up and down the country marked Anzac Day 2024 at dawn this
morning, Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro made special mention of ongoing
overseas conflicts during her speech at at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park
in Wellington.

Dame Cindy opened by acknowledging those present before sharing her
reflections: "109 years after the landing of the ANZACS at Gallipoli, Anzac
Day still holds deep significance for New Zealanders, as we see from the many
thousands gathered here to greet the dawn in honour of the sacrifice of our
forebears.

"It will always remain part of our family histories and in our collective
memory."

Dame Cindy looked back on the first Anzac Day commemorations in 1916; the
Second World War; New Zealand's peacekeeping contributions over the years;
and also commented on the global situation today.

"The scope of our commemorations has expanded to include all other wars and
armed conflicts in which New Zealand has been involved, as well as our
ongoing efforts in peacekeeping."

She added: "Every New Zealand community has in some way been touched by our
experience of war.

"More than 250,000 New Zealanders have served in war and peacekeeping
operations, and of these, more than 30,000 have lost their lives with many
more wounded.

"On Anzac Day, we honour all who have served our nation and all who have lost
their lives as a result of their service.

"On this Anzac Day, as we reflect on the service and sacrifice of New
Zealanders across our military history, our thoughts and prayers are with the
families around the world who continue to experience the horrors of war.

"With our collective remembrance, and steadfast belief in our common
humanity, we strengthen our hope and resolve to do what we can to foster
dialogue and understanding, and to heal divisions in our pursuit of peace.

"We will remember them."

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