26.04.2024
Commonality of Grief Echoes from Darwin to Dawson Street – ANZAC Day Service
The annual ANZAC Day service of commemoration was held in St Ann’s, Dawson Street, yesterday (April 25). This service, organised in conjunction with the New Zealand Ireland Association, is a focal point of Dublin’s ANZAC Day commemorations.
ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day marks the anniversary of the 1915 Gallipoli landings. It was the first major military action fought by the Australian and New Zealand forces during The First World War.
The service was attended by the Ambassadors of New Zealand, Australia, The Netherlands, as well as a representative of the Turkish Embassy. Members of the Royal British Legion and ONE (The Organisation of Ex Army Personnel) were also in attendance.
During the service each representative laid a wreath to honour those who gave their lives at Gallipoli.
The address at the service was given by Sir Trevor Mallard, the New Zealand Ambassador to Ireland. He spoke of the spirit of ANZAC and how it might help shape a better world. He also paid tribute to the firm link between New Zealand and Australia.
The officiant at the service was the Vicar of St Ann’s, Dawson Street, the Revd Canon Paul Arbuthnot, who commented: “It was, once again, an honour for the church in the heart of the city to host this poignant and important act of worship. At this service, we commended the souls of those who lost their lives at Gallipoli to the keeping of Almighty God, and we prayed that we might work to build a peaceful future.
“Many Irish people fought and died at Gallipoli alongside their ANZAC brothers. We came to share the commonality of grief which echoes from Darwin to Dawson Street and to commit ourselves afresh to working to bring the peace of God to fruition in this world “.
