Anzac Day marked in Macau
Around 60 guests attended an Anzac Day observance ceremony at MGM Macau yesterday organized by the Australian Chamber of Commerce for Hong Kong and Macau, marking the 100th anniversary of the war on the Western Front during World War One.
The ceremony was followed by a breakfast hosted by the chamber of commerce.
Meanwhile more than 700 people gathered for the traditional Anzac Day service at the Cenotaph in Hong Kong this year, according to a statement from the Australian Consulate-General Hong Kong.
According to the statement a record number of Australians and New Zealanders in Hong Kong stood to attention yesterday morning, while a bugler played traditional remembrance song, “The Last Post” to honor the fallen. Also in attendance and performing was the Hong Kong Police Band.
Yesterday’s commemoration involved the laying of wreaths by officials, community and business groups, veteran’s groups and others. Among them was Australian Consul General for Hong Kong, Paul Tighe.
“Today is not about war but about people; the people we mourn, not only the Anzacs sacrificed a century ago, but also all those who served our countries and died in all wars and conflicts,” said Tighe.
Hong Kong
“The Anzac legend forged by the Australian and New Zealand forces during the Great War became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways in which we viewed both our past and future,” he added.
Named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), the event this year also marks the centennial of the withdrawal from the Gallipoli Campaign that concluded on January 9, 1916, and for which the occasion was originally created to commemorate.
Today it has matured into an event to generally remember “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served,” according to the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage, as well as to take pride in the coming-of-age of what at the time were two newly-formed nations.
“Anzac Day is very much a part of the Australian spirit,” said Australian-born, Macau resident Leanda Lee. “We are reminded of the courage, camaraderie, selflessness, loyalty, ingenuity and steadfastness of the men and women who fought together side-by-side regardless of their station in society, their backgrounds, religion, color or race.”
It is customary to hold such services at dawn or early in the morning because of the symbolic links to the dawn landing at Gallipoli.
“The first service will be at dawn on April 25, usually outside at the local war memorial. Another will often be held later in the morning,” said Lee. “Both are solemn but marvelous community events.”
Anzac Day services are held in almost every city and town across Australia and in many countries around the world, including in those with large Australian and New Zealander expat communities. It is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue, Pitcairn Islands and Tonga, and previously was a national holiday in Papua New Guinea and Samoa. Daniel Beitler
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