Speech
ANZAC Day National Memorial Service
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen I greet you in the languages of the Realm of New Zealand - English, Maori, CookIsland, Niuean, Tokelauan and Sign Language.
Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni (and Sign).
I acknowledge the presence of so many New Zealanders who have made the effort to be here on the 75th anniversary of the dedication of this National War Memorial. I offer greetings also to those who have gathered elsewhere in New Zealand and beyond to commemorate this 92nd ANZAC Day.
We remember with both pride and humility today those New Zealanders who were killed in all wars. It is the day on which we honour them, and the sacrifices which they made in the service of our nation.
We remember in similar fashion those other New Zealanders who fought, served, made sacrifices, and survived to return home.
We bring to mind also those who presently serve our country and the international community in the cause of world peace, as peacekeepers in many areas of conflict. Their professionalism, dedication and personal sacrifice are something of which all New Zealanders can be properly proud.
Peace operations and the attendant peacekeepers are essential if the world is not to stumble into the conflicts of the past.
The ANZAC legacy began at Gallipoli in Turkey in 1915.
There the ANZACs endured hardships which aer unimaginable today in order that we can live now in a peaceful New Zealand, on our own terms, going about our daily lives in ways that we take for granted. The many memorials erected in communities both large and small throughout our country are a testament to their sacrifice, and to the sacrifice of the families and loved ones who grieved their loss.
Today it is fitting to remember that we, who have the privilege of living, should be ever mindful of the price paid by others on our behalf.
As it is put in Maori
E nga mate, nga aitua, o koutou, araa o matou, ka tangihia e tatou i tenei wa. Haere, haere, haere.
To the dead and to those being mourned, both yours and ours, we lament them and farewell them.
Tatou te hunga ora, tena tatou katoa.
To us, the living, greetings to all of us.
ANZAC remains, in the memories we hold for our veterans, and for all those who have felt the cold breath of war.
The spirit of the ANZACs strengthened New Zealand and Australia. The courage that inspired that partnership endures, and is an assurance of our freedom.
Let us resolve to never forget.
No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.