Many organisers of ANZAC Day events like to read out a message from the Prime Minister or the Governor-General as part of their service. Here is the ANZAC Day 2021 message from the Governor-General.
The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy, GNZM, QSO
Governor-General of New Zealand
Kia ora koutou
Every year, on the 25th of April, New Zealanders come together in a day of shared remembrance and reflection. We remember the brave men and women who have served our country in conflicts around the world, particularly those who sacrificed their lives in the name of peace and freedom. We reflect on the profound meaning of that service and sacrifice for generations of New Zealanders.
It is over a century since New Zealand and Australian troops – the ANZACs – landed at Gallipoli, and since ANZAC Day was subsequently established to commemorate their service in that conflict.
Over time, many other significant milestones in New Zealand’s military history have been commemorated. In March, I attended the National Jayforce Commemoration at Wellington’s Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. The service commemorated the more than 12,000 New Zealanders who served in the post-war occupation of Japan from 1946 to early 1949. When I delivered the commemorative address, I was pleased to be able to acknowledge Jayforce veterans in attendance – and the role they and their fellow Jayforce members played in establishing early bonds of friendship between our two nations.
Recently, we also marked 75 years since the end of the Second World War in the Pacific. This was recognised by the dedication of the Pacific Islands Memorial at Pukeahu last month. The memorial commemorates Pacific peoples who have served bravely and selflessly in support of New Zealand – and symbolises New Zealand’s cherished relationship with our Pacific neighbours.
A year ago, we were still coming to terms with the reality of the Covid-19 pandemic. On ANZAC Day 2020, New Zealanders sought ways to commemorate the day, such as standing at dawn in their driveways across the country, in a moving gesture of remembrance and gratitude. The images from that morning became a part of our country’s history. They reflect the essence of this most sacred of days: courage in moments of darkness and fear – and hope for a future of peace, opportunity, and wellbeing for all.
Ka maumahara tonu tatou ki a ratou. We will remember them.
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