Samoa joined countries around the region to commemorate ANZAC Day on Monday morning with a ceremony at the Apia Clock Tower on Beach Road.

The ceremony was attended by senior Government officials including the Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, the Australian High Commissioner Emily Luck, New Zealand High Commissioner Dr Trevor Matheson, and the President of Returned Services Association (RSA) and Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Tevaga Ponifasio.

The Prime Minister gave the keynote address at the commemoration, talking about the historical significance of the day and the involvement of Australian and New Zealand soldiers.

“Lest we forget, this very morning on the shores of Gallipoli in Turkey, 107 years ago, the soldiers of the British allies including Australian and New Zealand marked their arrival to World War 1," the Prime Minister said.

“At Gallipoli, Australians and New Zealanders served with soldiers from other nations including England, France and India."

Fiame added that the Australian and New Zealand soldiers in Gallipoli represented various backgrounds, “but they each shared the terrible experience of war.”

“History pointed out that for more than a hundred years, the men and women in the New Zealand and Australian Navy, Army and Air Force have honoured the memory of the original ANZACs.

“While Samoa is a country was not directly involved in this campaign, several Samoan citizens along with their Pacific brothers and sisters were able to serve under the New Zealand, Maori battalion during the Gallipoli campaign and over the years.

“More sons and daughters of Samoa and American Samoa continued to serve with dignity and honour their respective calling to protect our world and its people and to ensure that our nation is sustained and secured.”

She added that on Monday morning along with Australians and New Zealanders across the world they remember the bravery of those who defended the region.

"We gather to remember those who have served to defend our world, the Pacific region and Samoa through active service and peace keeping missions.

“We remember and honour all people who have served and those who continue to serve in the Australian and New Zealand armed forces including the sons and daughters of Samoa. 

“We also honour veterans who are with us this morning and we remember with much appreciation those who have passed on.

“We know that their sacrifices, commitments and dedication will live on in the spirit of ANZAC Day.”

Fiame also said that this is also an important time to reflect and remember the many Samoans who died defending our land or innocently killed during our struggle for independence.

“They too possess the quality of bravery, fortitude and the resilience of our Samoan leaders.”

The commemoration had to comply with COVID-19 restrictions with attendance strictly by invitation only.

ANZAC Day commemorates the sacrifice of Australian, New Zealand, Samoan and other military personnel who have died during war. It originally commemorated the Australian and New Zealand forces that landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey on 25 April 1915 during World War I.