New Zealand and Australian Leaders Commemorate World War I Centenary in New Zealand

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key have dedicated a new memorial to commemorate the centenary of the two countries’ joint involvement in the World War I Gallipoli campaign at the newly opened Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington in the morning of April 20.

“The Australian Memorial is positioned right in the heart of the park, befitting of the close and enduring relationship between our two nations,” said Key.

The park was officially opened on April 18.

“We always hoped that our closest friend would be the first country to have its own memorial in our park, and I am delighted that this has now happened” the New Zealand Prime Minister said in his speech.

On the opening ceremony of the park, John Key said “Pukeahu National War Memorial Park will help us honour the pledge that we regularly renew: Lest We Forget.”

Both prime ministers will also jointly attend the Anzac Day services in Turkey on April 25.

April 25, or ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day, is a public holiday in Australia and New Zealand and the Gallipoli campaign is often referred to as an event that helped to define the two nations.

Article Source: ShanghaiDaily.com, April 13, 2015.

Image Source: 3News