The Australian Minister for Defence and former prisoners of war attended ANZAC Day in Thailand
26 April 2013
On 25 April, Australians throughout the world commemorated ANZAC Day to remember those who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. ANZAC Day marks the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey, on 25 April 1915.
This year, seven Australian veterans who were once held as Prisoners of War (POWs) by the Japanese and made to work on the Burma-Thailand Railway during WWII travelled to Kanchanaburi to attend ANZAC Day services and commemorate the 70th anniversary of the cutting of Hellfire Pass.
The Australian Minister for Defence, Mr Stephen Smith MP, and Senator the Honourable John Hogg, President of the Australian Senate, joined New Zealand and Thai dignitaries and a crowd of over 1,200 people at the Dawn Service held at Hellfire Pass in Kanchanaburi Province to pay tribute to thousands of POWs who lost their lives during the construction of the notorious Burma-Thailand Railway.
“It is a day we remember all those who suffered during times of conflict or crisis, whether Service personnel or civilians, whether Australian, New Zealander or Thai”, Mr Smith said in his speech delivered at the Dawn Service.
“We also celebrate our national characteristics, our values and our virtues: the notion of a fair go, of looking out for one’s mates, of a sense of humour in adversity and perseverance, and the sure and certain knowledge that however bad our circumstances might be, there is always someone else worse off who needs a helping hand”, he added.
Later that morning, Australian, New Zealand and Thai dignitaries participated in a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony held at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. Around 1,000 people attended.
Neil MacPherson, one of the Australian former prisoners of war, dedicated his speech at the wreath-laying service to the young Australians who were travelling with his delegation.
“We entrust with them the task of ensuring that the story of the Burma-Thailand Railway is not forgotten”, Mr MacPherson said.
Lest we forget: Mr Barton Richardson OAM and Mr Neil MacPherson OAM, Australian Former Prisoners of War, laid a wreath in memory of the fallen soldiers at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery on ANZAC Day.