Each year on 25 April, the people of New Zealand and Australia remember all the women and men who have served our countries in the armed forces – many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace.
ANZAC Day is held annually on the anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign at Turkey during the First World War when so many young men lost their lives. The motto, “Lest We Forget” is said on ANZAC Day after the reading of the following verse from the Ode of Remembrance –
“They shall not grow 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.”
This year we pray once more for an end to all wars, conflicts and violence around the world.
God of peace, make us instruments of your peace.
