ANZAC Style Christmas Carols

ANZAC Style Christmas Carols – Troops Take Music To Dili Streets

Australian and New Zealand sailors, soldiers and airmen and women are welcoming in the festive season with carolling sessions around Dili.

Spending their Christmas away from family and friends, the service personnel are seeking to not only brighten up their own Christmas but to share joy with the locals.

International Stabilisation Force (ISF) Padre, Major Andrew Rutley, said the carolling events are a way of connecting people with what they would ordinarily be doing a home at this time of the year.

“It is an important for people to enjoy the Christmas experience regardless of where they are,” said Padre Rutley.

“If they were home, many people would go to a local carols in the park, watch the carols on television or sing a few Christmas songs with their families.

“Singing carols on base is just one way for people to celebrate Christmas even though they are away from Mum or Dad, their partners and children, or other loved ones.”

Christmas Eve in East Timor will also involve a number of Australian and New Zealand personnel joining together at other bases for a carolling session.

“On Christmas Eve we will get a bigger bunch of Aussies and Kiwis together and take the music to the local people.

“It will be Christmas carols ANZAC style and I think everyone will have a lot of fun,” said Padre Rutley.

On Christmas Day, defence force members will have the opportunity to take part in non-denominational church services on ISF bases, as well as attend Mass in local East Timorese churches.

Defence members will be able to reach out to their families through expanded telephone and internet access that will enable troops to speak with their families online.

More than 560 Australian and New Zealand defence force members are serving in the ISF in East Timor over Christmas.

Media note: Imagery is available at: http://www.defence.gov.au/christmas/2009/gallery/1223/index.htm

ENDS

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