Anzacs Give a Peace Message During the Dawn Ritual

Activities for the day began at 5:30 am, the time when Anzacs had started the landing operation at Canakkalein 1915. Firstly, a priest prayed for those who died during Canakkale battles in the ceremony. Later, representatives of countries who took part in the battles laid wreaths at the Anzac Monument, and National Anthems of Turkey, Australia and New Zealand were played. Anzacs gave peace and friendship messages as they do every year. Governor of New Zealand Silvia Cartwright, Australia Minister of Treasury Peter Costello and on behalf of Turkey, Deputy Governor of Canakkale Huseyin Avni participated in the ceremonies. New Zealand Governor-General Cartwright said that after the Canakkale wars, a new national feeling and bonding, which still exists today , were created between Australia and New Zealand. Stating everyone mourned for the brave young people who died in the battlefields Cartwright went on: "It is forgotten why they have fought each other. The important thing is that they were brave when they faced death and they endured terribly tough conditions, yet remained loyal to each other. Canakkale Battles and Gelibolu had been bitter lessons for New Zealand and Australia."

Mustafa Ozge, Muzaffer Altunay / Canakkale / TURKEY