‘In peace or conflict: Aussies abroad mark Anzac Day
With increasing conflict in the Middle East, Anzac Day has taken on a more significant meaning for Australians in the restive region.
“Australia’s embassies, high commissions and consulates around the world will commemorate Anzac Day, whether in areas of peace or conflict,” the Foreign Office said.
“In the Middle East, many embassies will mark the occasion, although they cannot host regular events due to conflict.”
Australian embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Iraq have encouraged local Australians to rise at dawn to honor those who have served.
While Iran looked down on the United States and Israel as fragile ceasefires were negotiated, all three countries were dragged into a broader war.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has maintained that Australia is not a participant but has deployed an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft to the Gulf to secure Emirati airspace and defend Australians living there.
The importance of keeping the Anzac spirit alive was not overlooked by Australia’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Miles Armitage.
Even though we are physically apart this year, we are together spiritually. “In challenging times like these, the spirit of remembrance, resilience and connection is more important than ever.”
Approximately 115,000 Australians live in the Middle East, with approximately 25,000 in the UAE alone.
In Europe, the Maltese president was expected to attend a ceremony at the Pietà Military Cemetery, where Australian casualties from the First World War Gallipoli campaign were evacuated for treatment and where 174 Australians are buried.
In the Netherlands, school children would lay flowers in honor of 21-year-old Australian Spitfire pilot Warrant Officer Jack Dawson Green.
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In Japan, a memorial service was planned at the Yokohama Commonwealth War Cemetery, where more than 281 Australian POWs are buried.
The Department of Veterans Affairs said about 1,800 people attended the annual dawn ceremony at Gallipoli on Saturday, about 2,500 attended ceremonies in France and about 5,000 attended ceremonies in Port Moresby.
