I as Chairman of the Australia-New Zealand (ANZAC) All Party Parliamentary Group of the British Parliament, stood alongside friends from Australia and New Zealand, as well as Parliamentary colleagues, to commemorate ANZAC Day. It was a deeply moving occasion, as we paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the ANZAC forces during the First World War and to all those who have served in the Australian and New Zealand armed forces.
ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that honours the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during the Great War. It has since become a day to remember all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in wars, conflicts, as well as a multitude of peacekeeping operations.
As members of the Commonwealth, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand share a long and deep history that extends far beyond the battlefield. The bonds of the Commonwealth are forged through a shared language, culture, and values. We are also united through our personal union with The Crown, as His Majesty King Charles III, is the Head of State of all three nations. Whitehall's ANZAC Day commemoration was a testament to the enduring strength of these bonds.
As we mark ANZAC Day, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by those who have served our nations, and of the shared history that binds us together. We are also reminded of the importance of working together to preserve the values that we hold dear, and to build a brighter future for generations to come.
