ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATION, 25th APRIL, 2022
Lau afioga i le Ao Mamalu o le Malo & lau Masiofo;
Member of the Council of Deputies;
Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet;
Chief Justice;
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Members of the Returned Services Association of Samoa and your Families;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Lest we forget; this very morning on the shores of Gallipoli in Turkey, a 107 years ago – the soldiers of the British Allies including Australia and New Zealand – marked their arrival to World War I with the Landing in Gallipoli.
At Gallipoli, Australians and New Zealanders served with soldiers from other nations, including England, France and India. The Australians and New Zealanders at Gallipoli, came from all sorts of backgrounds; but they each shared the terrible experience of war. History pointed out, that for more than a 100 years, the men and women in the New Zealand and Australian Navy, Army and Air force, have honoured the memory of the original Anzacs.
While Samoa as a country was not directly involved in this campaign then, several Samoan citizens along with their Pacific brothers and sisters were able to serve under the New Zealand Maori Battalion, during the Gallipoli Campaign and over the years. More sons and daughters of Samoa (and American Samoa) continued to serve with dignity and honour their respective calling to protect our world and its people and ensure that our nation is sustained and secured.
This morning, along with Australians and New Zealanders across the world, we gather to remember those who have served to defend our world, the Pacific region and Samoa through active service and peace keeping missions. We remember and honour all people who have served, and those who continue to serve in the Australia and New Zealand armed services, including the sons and daughters of Samoa. We also honour veterans who are with us this morning and we remember with much appreciation, those who passed on. We know that their sacrifices, their commitment and dedication will live on, as in the spirit of ANZAC day.
This is also an important time to reflect and remember the many Samoans who died defending our land or innocently killed during our struggle for Independence. They too possessed the quality of bravely, fortitude and the resilience of our Samoan leaders.
I conclude by also declaring that today we stand in solidarity against the crimes and harms of war, against the discrimination and victimisation of our generations, especially the most vulnerable including the elderly, children and people with disabilities, who have been unfairly marginalized and displaced by the effects of war.
Lest we forget.
Soifua ma ia manuia.
