Send An Anzac Message To Kiwi Forces

Media Release

25 March 2011

Send An Anzac Message To Kiwi Forces

The New Zealand Defence Force is encouraging the public to send a message to Kiwi defence personnel who will be overseas on Anzac Day (25 April).

An online form on the Defence Force's website allows people to post either a general or individual message to military personnel deployed overseas. The messages will be sent to personnel on 22 April, so that they will be received before Anzac Day.

"We hope people around the country will show their support for our military personnel by sending them a message from New Zealand. Our people spend long periods of time away from their families and friends and reminders of home are always special," said Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Air Vice-Marshal Peter Stockwell.

"While Anzac Day provides the opportunity to honour those lost in past conflicts, we would also like to remember those New Zealanders currently serving their country. The courage, commitment, comradeship and integrity exhibited by NZ service men and women in the past are the same values held by our current Defence Force personnel.

"The ANZAC spirit forged at Gallipoli, has continued to develop and grow, and today Australia remains our closest strategic partner. We work alongside the Australian Defence Force in the Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, and Afghanistan. Our countries always support each others in times of need, with the Australian Defence Force recently providing assistance during the Christchurch earthquake," he said.

On Anzac Day the NZ Defence Force will have over 600 personnel deployed on 14 peacekeeping operations, United Nations missions and defence exercises around the world.

To post a message visit www.nzdf.mil.nz/anzac

ENDS

© Scoop Media