April 25, 2015 Pohnpei, FSM -The State of Pohnpei was just one of the thousands of places throughout the world to hold dawn services in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the battle of Gallipoli. The commemoration, often referred to as ANZAC Day, was a solemn and poignant moment.
Anzac Day is one of Australia's most important national commemorative occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldier forces quickly became known as ANZACS and the pride they soon took in that name is known on this day.
According to the program at this morning's commemoration, the ANZAC commemoration began simply at 4:00 AM in 1919 in Toowoomba. Captain Harrington and a group of friends visited all known graves and memorials of men killed in action in World War 1 and placed flowers (not poppies) on the headstones. Afterwards they toasted their mates with a rum. In 1920 and 1921 these men followed a similar pattern but adjourned to Picnic Point at the top of the range and toasted their mates until the first rays of dawn appeared. A bugler sounded the 'Last Post' and 'Reveille'.
The commemoration at the Australian Navy Compound, affectionately known as the "Kangaroo Court" began at 5:30 this morning and was presided over by Lt. Commander Tim Koroi, Maritime Security Advisor, and Chief Petty Officer Andrew Hamilton of the Royal Australian Navy.
Symbolic wreaths were placed in memory of the ANZACs and those who sacrificed their lives in Gallipoli:
After the solemn ceremony, a traditional "shotgun" breakfast was served on the grounds of the complex.