Anzac Day, strategic review recognised by Australia, New Zealand and allies

As Australia and New Zealand commemorate Anzac Day, the event has drawn statements of support from the two countries plus its allies. Some also commented on Australia’s  recent defence review. Defence chief on ANZAC Day On Anzac Day, at memorials and ceremonies across the country, and around the world, we remember those who served our nation. We honour the courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice of the Anzacs. Defence personnel are supporting Anzac Day ceremonies in Australia and around the world. The Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, AO, DSC, attended the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. “108 years ago today, soldiers from Australia and New Zealand landed in the early light of dawn on the beaches of Gallipoli. The baptism of fire they were to experience during that campaign created a deep and abiding connection between our two countries that continues to this day,” General Campbell said. “Since then, the Anzacs have fought side-by-side in conflicts around the world, in the mountains and orchards of Greece, skies of Europe, harsh deserts of North Africa, and deep waters of the Pacific. Together they patrolled the rainforests, rice paddies and rubber plantations of South Vietnam. More recently, they helped to restore peace and stability to the streets of Dili. Currently, Australian and New Zealand personnel are in the United Kingdom providing critical training to members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as they prepare to return and defend their homeland against Russian invasion As we pay our respects today, let us take a moment to consider the enormous sacrifices made by Australian and New Zealand service men and women – together; then, now and whenever called to duty. We remember them. We honour them. Lest we forget.” General Campbell said Australian Defence Force personnel will acknowledge Anzac Day wherever they are, at home or abroad. Statement from U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on Anzac Day On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I am honoured to join the people of Australia and New Zealand in commemorating Anzac Day on April 25. On this day, we remember the brave members of the defence forces of Australia and New Zealand who heroically fought in World War I to preserve our freedom and democracy. We also honour the men and women currently serving in the defence forces as they continue to courageously defend our shared values and stand up for our freedom. The United States proudly stands with our partners in Australia and New Zealand as we work to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The bonds of our relationship, including those forged in the trenches and battlefields of the first World War, will continue to strengthen as we remain united to face our shared challenges. We join our friends in Australia and New Zealand in solemnly reflecting on the sacrifice our brave service members made in World War I and all the conflicts that followed. We recognise the peace and freedom we enjoy today is built on their courage and sacrifice. On this Anzac Day, we send our deepest gratitude for the sacrifices of the past and for the enduring friendship between our great nations. Statement from U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Australia’s Defence Strategic Review We welcome the release of Australia’s Defence Strategic Review (DSR) — it is the latest example of the pivotal role Australia plays in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific, including through participation in AUKUS and the Quad. The DSR demonstrates Australia’s commitment to being at the forefront of incorporating new capabilities for the Australian Defence Force to better enable Australia to meet regional and global challenges, as well as to our Unbreakable Alliance, which has never been stronger. The DSR and the U.S. National Defense Strategy are strongly aligned, with a shared vision for maintaining a stable and open international system, rooted in our enduring alliance and our collaboration with other likeminded allies and partners. We welcome Australia’s intent to build upon the DSR with an inaugural National Defence Strategy in 2024. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]