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Early start in city for Australasian war commemorations

Over 320 New Zealanders and Australians in Shanghai set their alarms early this morning to attend a dawn service remembering soldiers in who fought in World War I and subsequent wars.

The 6am service was held at the Australian Consul General's residence in Shanghai to mark ANZAC Day, a national holiday for both countries that coincides with when the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed on the beach of Gallipoli, Turkey, during WWI.

Australian Consul General Alice Cawte spoke during the service of the young men who thought they were going off on a great adventure, but ended up giving their lives.

After the service, Cawte said Kiwis and Australians were still very moved by the war stories, even 98 years on and in a foreign country.

"Australians and New Zealanders are great travellers, at the same time we like to stay connected with our traditions."

"I think Australians and New Zealanders are alive to that tradition [of connection between the countries] and ANZAC day has a special significance when they are away from home."

Matthew Dalzell, the New Zealand Consul General, also addressed the crowd, describing how the close ANZAC relationship had continued on to this day.

"The spirit of the ANZACs was forged on those foreign battlefields many years ago, yet it lives on in Kiwis, and in our Australian neighbours, today."

He said the two countries continue to play a part internationally to protect peace, freedom and security when those were under threat.

Mehmet Goksel, the Turkish Consul General, ad interim, read the words of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, an ex-president of Turkey: "After having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well."

The national anthems of both countries were sung during the service, and eleven wreaths were laid, including those laid by representatives from Australia, Turkey, India and the United States.

Kiwis wore red poppies while the Australians sported a sprig of rosemary, which grows abundantly in Gallipoli.

After the service, Dalzell said there had been an impressive turnout, and the service had gone from strength to strength since the consulate first opened 20 years ago.

Kiwi Expats Association (KEA) said there were 59 KEA members who came to the event.

After the service, the attendees were treated to a spread of traditional Australasian food, including lamingtons 鈥 a coconut and chocolate covered sponge 鈥 and scones with cream and jam.

 

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