Tuesday 22 February 2005

Veterans Affairs Announces Ballot For Gallipoli Commemorations

Anzac Day this year, 25 April 2005, marks the commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the Gallipoli Landings, the start of a campaign that lasted eight months and resulted in some 7500 New Zealand casualties, including 2721 deaths - one in four of those who landed. From the conflict grew the strong and enduring traditions of the Anzac spirit - the ideals of courage, endurance and mateship that are as relevant today as they were 90 years ago.

Veteran's Affairs New Zealand (VANZ) invites application from veterans to apply to join the contingent travelling to Gallipoli to mark the ceremony. Jessie Gunn, Director VANZ says that "Anzac Day has become a symbol of New Zealand's commitment to past and present wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, and we feel it is important to reflect this in the make up of the New Zealand veteran contingent".

Veterans will be eligible for the ballot if they have served as members of the Armed Forces in: * World War II

* 2NZEF Japan (J Force)

* the Malaya/Borneo/Indonesia campaigns

* Vietnam

* the WRNZNS, NZWRAC/NZWAAC or WRNZAF

* the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps

Veterans selected in the ballot will travel to Gallipoli with the official New Zealand delegation.

Further details of the ballot including an application form can be obtained by calling 0800 483 8372 or at the Veterans Affairs website www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz

Applications for the ballot will be accepted up until 5pm Friday 11 March 2005.

The Prime Minister has invited ten students, selected through an Essay Writing Competition, to accompany the official party to the commemoration. Details of the Essay Competition can also be found on the VANZ website.

ENDS

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