Westminster Abbey marks ANZAC Day
Thursday, 25th April 2019
HRH The Duke of Sussex, HRH The Duke of Gloucester and HRH The Duchess of Cambridge attended a Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark ANZAC Day at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 25th April 2019.
The service was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, who said in his Bidding:
The landing of allied forces at Gallipoli one hundred and four years ago today led to one of the bloodier battles of the First World War. New Zealand and Australian forces joined together as ANZAC for the first time. We honour today the bravery and determination of the men at Gallipoli.
The spirit of national pride encourages us, as we bring to mind in particular the recent terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand. We pray for an end to terror and for the triumph of peace. Last Sunday was Easter Day, when we celebrate the resurrection from the dead of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our observance continues through this week, as we give thanks for the love of God and for God’s triumph over death and destruction.
As the Union Flag and the flags of New Zealand and Australia are presented at the High Altar, with the flag of Turkey as a sign of reconciliation, let us renew our own commitment to the causes of justice and peace throughout the world.
The flags were borne by Warrant Officer 2 Kayne Falconer (Australian), Flight Lieutenant Percey Behersing (New Zealand), Staff Sergeant Ozan Süslü (Turkey), and Major Nicholas Westlake-Toms.
His Excellency the High Commissioner for Australia, the Honourable George Brandis QC, read Isaiah 61: 1–4; and the Deputy High Commissioner for New Zealand, David Evans, read St John 20: 19-23.
The Address was given by the Dean.
His Excellency Ümit Yalçın, Ambassador of Turkey at the Court of St James, read the words of Mustafa Kemal Atatűrk inscribed on the memorial at ANZAC Cove in the Dardanelles.
