ANZAC Day commemorated in Thailand
26 April 2016
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 who died in the great tragedy of war – the ANZACs – on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey, on 25 April 1915.
This year in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand, Australian Ambassador to Thailand HE Mr Paul Robilliard, Air Vice Marshal John McGarry, and Defence Attaché Colonel Andrew Duff joined Deputy Governor of Kanchanaburi province Mr Thana Budsapawanich, New Zealand Ambassador to Thailand HE Mr Ben King and a gathering of around 1,100 at a dawn service at Hellfire Pass to pay tribute to the thousands of prisoners of war (POWs) who lost their lives in the construction of the Thai-Burma Railway in the Second World War.
Later in the day, around 600 people participated in a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony held at Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery. Kanchanaburi Governor Mr Sak Somboonto, Australian former-POWs and war veterans were present at the ceremonies.
“Hellfire Pass and Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery have a special place in our hearts. We are duty bound to ensure that the ANZAC spirit is passed on to successive generations to treasure, respect and honour as an important part of our nation’s character”, Ambassador Robilliard said.
ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass: Australian Ambassador to Thailand HE Mr Paul Robilliard; Air Vice Marshal John McGarry; New Zealand Ambassador to Thailand HE Mr Ben King; Vice Governor of Kanchanaburi province Mr Thana Budsapawanich; Lieutenant General Thiwa Penketgorn, Director of Directorate of Joint Intelligence, Royal Thai Armed Forces; and Lieutenant General Tanasorn Pongana, participated in the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass, Kanchanaburi province.
Lest we forget: Australian former Prisoner of War Mr Harold Martin laid a wreath in memory of fallen soldiers at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery on ANZAC Day.
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