Lau afioga i le Ao Mamalu o le Malo & lau Masiofo;
Member of the Council of Deputies;
Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet;
Chief Justice;
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Members of the Returned Services Association of Samoa and
your Families;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen;

Lest we forget; this very morning on the shores of Gallipoli in
Turkey, a 107 years ago – the soldiers of the British Allies

including Australia and New Zealand – marked their arrival to
World War I with the Landing in Gallipoli.
At Gallipoli, Australians and New Zealanders served with soldiers
from other nations, including England, France and India. The
Australians and New Zealanders at Gallipoli, came from all sorts of
backgrounds; but they each shared the terrible experience of war.
History pointed out, that for more than a 100 years, the men and
women in the New Zealand and Australian Navy, Army and Air
force, have honoured the memory of the original Anzacs.
While Samoa as a country was not directly involved in this
campaign then, several Samoan citizens along with their Pacific
brothers and sisters were able to serve under the New Zealand
Maori Battalion, during the Gallipoli Campaign and over the years.
More sons and daughters of Samoa (and American Samoa)
continued to serve with dignity and honour their respective calling
to protect our world and its people and ensure that our nation is
sustained and secured.
This morning, along with Australians and New Zealanders across
the world, we gather to remember those who have served to
defend our world, the Pacific region and Samoa through active
service and peace keeping missions. We remember and honour
all people who have served, and those who continue to serve in
the Australia and New Zealand armed services, including the sons
and daughters of Samoa. We also honour veterans who are with
us this morning and we remember with much appreciation, those
who passed on. We know that their sacrifices, their commitment
and dedication will live on, as in the spirit of ANZAC day.
This is also an important time to reflect and remember the many
Samoans who died defending our land or innocently killed during
our struggle for Independence. They too possessed the quality of
bravely, fortitude and the resilience of our Samoan leaders.
I conclude by also declaring that today we stand in solidarity
against the crimes and harms of war, against the discrimination

and victimisation of our generations, especially the most
vulnerable including the elderly, children and people with
disabilities, who have been unfairly marginalized and displaced by
the effects of war.
Lest we forget.
Soifua ma ia manuia.