A big crowd braved the early morning start on Tuesday and joined Government leaders, the diplomatic corps, disciplined forces representatives, and dignitaries at the ANZAC Day dawn memorial service on Beach Road. 

The annual ANZAC Day dawn memorial service commenced with a parade by war veterans from Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, and American Samoa with the official ceremony held around the Clock Tower in Apia.

It was attended by families, friends, and colleagues of the men who fought in Gallipoli against the Ottoman Empire during World War I on 25 April 1915. The day was also dedicated to the Samoan men who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

Samoa's Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa delivered the keynote on behalf of the Government and the people of Samoa.

The dawn service for the commemoration of Australia, New Zealand Army Corps (A.N.Z.A.C.) Day has become a tradition in Samoa over the years, according to Fiamē. 

She said the annual event isn't for "glorification" but for solemn reflection and offers an opportunity to remind ourselves of the preciousness of peace. 

Fiamē reminded the crowd that we must always remember how the peace and freedoms that we are enjoying today were won, saying the day's commemoration is a reminder of the close relations Samoa shares with other neighbouring countries.

The Prime Minister added that we will continue to remember the sacrifices of all the war veterans who fought for peace and freedom in Samoa and the Pacific region.

Fiamē said that on ANZAC Day the country should also remember their sons and daughters who are currently being deployed in peace-keeping and humanitarian missions overseas. 

She also said the commemoration of the day is an occasion to reflect on the enormity of the sacrifices made and the true lasting legacy of those who fought for the freedom and peace we currently enjoy today. 

"We will not forget," she said.

The President of the Returned Soldiers Association (R.S.A.), Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio also addressed the gathering and paid tribute to the fallen comrades. 

Tuala – who is an ex-serviceman of the Royal New Zealand Army where he held the rank of Captain – said the special service is a dedication from those who have survived and are now enjoying the freedom to continue remembering those who have fought for freedom. 

"As our Government prepares to bring down the closing of its 60th Independence Anniversary celebration, the R.S.A. reflects beyond 60 years and events that led to the independence and freedom of Samoa.

"We wish to dedicate this ANZAC Day memorial service to the Government and the people of Samoa, for their contribution to World War I, World War II, and other conflicts that followed, including peace-keeping missions by the Samoa police services. 

"We remember those Samoans who joined the New Zealand and Australian forces and served in conflicts. We remember also those who remained back to fight our own wars for independence here in Samoa.

"Today we pay tribute to those soldiers from NZ, Australia, Great Britain, and Samoa to fight for the freedom of their nations.

Tuala, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Customs and Revenue, also paid tribute to Samoans whose names are written on the memorial Town Clock in Apia. 

He also paid homage to all the soldiers from New Zealand and Australia buried in Samoa with unidentified and unmarked graves. 

"We salute and honour you."

Tuala also acknowledged the presence of war veterans from the United States and American Samoa who traveled to Samoa for the special occasion as well as paid homage to the Samoans who lost their lives during colonial times and were subjected to unfair treatment.

"Their names are not written on this memorial but are written in history and in our hearts. To our forefathers who fought for Samoa's Independence, we acknowledge and we thank you for giving us 60 years of Independence. 

"We honour you today as well.

"War is something we always hear about but we fail to comprehend. It's a violent practice that is won not by weapons but by the hearts and sacrifices of our soldiers."

He then acknowledged on behalf of the R.S.A. the presence of everyone who assembled at the town clock for this year's annual dawn service.