ANZAC Day in Washington DC

ANZAC in Washington DC,

April 26,2010,

by Connie Lawn

The ANZAC Memorial Service in the majestic Washington National Cathedral was powerful, emotional, tasteful, and magnificent. Those who have attended many of these memorials around the world say the Washington DC one is among the finest. About 500 people attended; the Cathedral could have held several hundred more. The Service was held on a Monday, with the traditional Dawn Service and Gunfire Breakfast held the day before, on Sunday Morning. They took place at the Korean War Memorial, and then the New Zealand Embassy in Washington.

New Zealand was a co sponsor of the ceremonies, along with Australia. Service Members and Veterans from the United States, the UK, and other countries attended. The music was incredible! Talented Maori Soprano Marie Te Hapuku came down from New York, and sang the anthems of Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Later in the program she sang Po Atarau, or Now is the Hour. Many of us cried during her singing; I know I was one of them! I have been honored to attend these ANZAC Ceremonies since 1981, and they are a milestone of the passing years.

The ANZAC Day Address was given by outgoing Ambassador Roy Ferguson, and is attached below. He and his wonderful wife Dawn will be missed when they leave Washington.

After the ceremony, a reception was held at the Australian Embassy in Washington, It was hosted by their new Ambassador Kim Beazley. He had a nasty fall on the ice after arriving in Washington, and walks with a cane, but bravely says he is "coming right." The delicious food was catered by KiwiKuisine, and received rave reviews. After, the hundreds of guests scattered to their "normal" lives, carrying memories and prayers for all those who died in wars.

ANZAC Day Speech

ENDS

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