Philippine Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega (left) and Defense Attaché Col. Dennis F. Gammad (right) attended ANZAC DAY 2019 at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia
CANBERRA, Australia – The Philippine Ambassador to Australia, Her Excellency Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega and Defense and Armed Forces Attaché, Col. Dennis F. Gammad, attended the ANZAC Day Commemorative Service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on 25 April 2019. This event is celebrated throughout Australia and other countries that took part in the great Battle of Gallipoli.
The celebration was witnessed by Australian government officials, defence and military leaders, members of the diplomatic community and other dignitaries. The ceremony followed the traditional order of service and parade with His Excellency Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove delivering the Commemorative Address.
ANZAC Day is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War highlighted by the Gallipoli landing on 25 April 1915. In the earlier years, this day is celebrated by Australians to pay tribute and remember those who have served the war. Later on, ANZAC Day included the commemoration of those Australians who died in the Second World War, and in subsequent years the meaning of the day has been further broadened to include those who lost their lives in all the military campaigns and peacekeeping operations in which Australia has been involved.
The participation of the Philippine Embassy in this annual commemoration is of great significance as Filipino and Australian soldiers share a common bond in fighting military wars and serving in peacekeeping operations. During the second world war, over 4,000 Australian servicemen were involved in the liberation of the Philippines. The Philippines and Australia continue to strengthen defence and security cooperation to address contemporary security challenges and support regional peace and stability. END
