At Scott Base this Anzac Day, we will remember

At Scott Base this Anzac Day, we will remember

Nineteen New Zealand men and women will be observing centenary commemorations at New Zealand’s Scott Base, the southern-most commonwealth outpost in the world.

On 25 April 2015, we pay tribute to the 100-year milestone of New Zealand troops landing at the Gallipoli Peninsula, marking the first major combat role for New Zealand Forces in the First World War.

At this site, 2721 New Zealanders died serving their country. This touched nearly every New Zealand family, as no other soldiers had travelled so far away from home to fight during World War I.

The Anzac Day service will be held at 10:00am, and will be attended by the 19 winter-over crew from Scott Base, and 30 of our American friends from the U.S. Station, McMurdo. The Last Post, in traditional bugle style, is broadcast over the PA system and the New Zealand flag is lowered to half-mast.

“Where the local RSA hosts a gathering and sharing of memories after the dawn service in New Zealand, Scott Base invites the Americans inside for coffee and a spread of Anzac biscuits and sausage rolls,” says Graeme Ayres, Antarctica New Zealand’s General Manager of Operations, and Grandson to Albert Sydney Cammock, a Sapper who served in Egypt and Greece during the Second World War. Albert rests in the Phaleron War Cemetery near Athens amongst 2029 Commonwealth servicemen’s graves.

The Antarctic Treaty (1961) designates Antarctica ‘a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science’ and establishes Antarctica as a scientific reserve, establishes freedom of scientific investigation, and bans military activity on the continent.

Antarctica New Zealand is proud to work alongside the dedicated men and women of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), who play a critical part in the New Zealand Antarctic Programme.

“Anzac Day is a time to honour and remember those who risked and gave their lives serving their country. It has deepened our understanding of a formative event in New Zealand’s history,” says Ayres.

“For Antarctica New Zealand this is a time to reflect on the many NZDF men and women currently serving in Antarctica, across the Pacific and around the world. For their commitment, we are truly grateful.”

Lest we forget.

ENDS

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