Australian Office

Anzac Day 2013 in Taipei

The Australian, New Zealand and international community came together on 25 April to commemorate Anzac Day.

 

 

On 25 April 1915, thousands of young Australians landed on the shores of Gallipoli, Turkey. Tragically 8,700 young Australians lost their lives over the eight-month long campaign, with more than 2,000 killed or wounded on the first day alone. It was there that the Anzac legend was born. Each year Australians gather on 25 April to pay tribute to the men and women who served our nation in wars, conflicts and other peacekeeping operations, and to remember significant wartime anniversaries.

Anzac Day 2013 in Taipei was a sombre affair, with the misty rain providing an appropriate background to reflect on those who lost their lives in service of Australia.

 

 

New Zealand Representative, Stephen Payton, welcomed attendees in Maori and English.

 

 

Australian Representative, Kevin Magee, read the Anzac Requiem. “Each Anzac Day we take the opportunity to remember the sailors, soldiers, airmen and women who have given so much in the defence of Australia,” he said. “As we move towards the centenary of the First World War, including the centenary of Anzac Day in 2015, the Australian community’s interest and enthusiasm for the Anzac story grows.”

 

Pausing to reflect on the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in wartime.

 

Australian Vietnam War veteran, Mick Booth.

 

Australian Representative, Kevin Magee (right) being interviewed by the Turkish Radio Television Corporation with Turkish Representative, Ismet Erikan (middle).

 

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.