DVIDS – News – Pacific leaders commemorate Anzac Day in Honolulu

HONOLULU – Multinational military and civilian leaders from across the Indo-Pacific region gathered April 25 to commemorate Australia and New Zealand Army Corps Day at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, commonly referred to as the “Punchbowl.” .

Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces on the coast of Gallipoli during the First World War, and is an important national celebration in both countries; Formal and informal commemoration ceremonies and organized marches are held annually.

Opening remarks were delivered by Chantelle Taylor, Australian Consul General, and Mike Ketchen, New Zealand Consul General. Australian Army Major General Scott Winter, Deputy Commanding General of J5, US Army Pacific, delivered a commemorative speech to discuss the significance of Anzac Day.

Lt. Gen. Stephen Sklenka, deputy commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; Fleet Master Chief David Isom, senior enlisted leader at USINDOPACOM; and other military and civilian leaders participated in a wreath-laying ceremony followed by military honors to show appreciation for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

New Zealand Warrant Officer Class One Stephen Rupapere, deputy senior enlisted leader at USINDOPACOM, recited the Ode in Te Reo Māori, New Zealand’s native language. Many commemoration ceremonies in Australia and New Zealand include a rendition of The Ode. It is the fourth stanza of ‘For the Fallen’, a poem written by Laurence Binyon in 1914.

The significance of the ceremony taking place at Punchbowl lies in its traditional Hawaiian name, Pūowaina, which means a place of sacrifice, a perfect commemoration of the sacrifices made by ANZAC forces during World War I and every conflict since.

The US shares common elements of history, culture and commitment to democratic principles and the international rules-based order with both Australia and New Zealand. Both countries have fought side by side with the US in almost every major conflict over the past hundred years.