26th April, 2019 This morning at Pangai Lahi, the dawn service was held to mark the 104th anniversary of the landing of ANZAC forces on the Gallipoli Peninsular during World War One.
The ceremony was hosted this year by Australia and it was attended by His Majesty King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho. The officiating minister for the prayer service was Captain Sila Siufanga of the Salvation Army. His Excellency Adrian Morrison, the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga delivered the Anzac Day address and highlighted the shared military heritage between Australia, New Zealand and Tonga, collectively.
Following the prayer was the laying of wreaths and national anthems. This was led by His Majesty, King Tupou VI followed by His Excellency Adrian Morrison, Ms Elena Procuta the New Zealand acting High Commissioner, and Hon. Semisi Fakahau on behalf of the Tongan government. Other national representatives also lay wreaths at the cenotaph.
The crew of the Australian mine hunting vessel, HMAS Gascoyne, also attended the dawn service. The HMAS Gascoyne arrived in Tonga on Monday 22 April and will depart on Friday 26 April.
Following the service, a gunfire breakfast was held at the Australian High Commissioner’s residence in Ma’ufanga.
Accompanying photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHskQKy6uT