AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- Coalition service members participated in an ANZAC Day Dawn Commemoration Ceremony conducted by the Royal Australian Air Force contingent here, Apr 25, 2019.
“It is unique being in the Middle East when conducting an ANZAC Day ceremony, commemorating together with so many people from Europe whose nations were involved in World War I, including our Turkish partners,” said RAAF Squadron Leader Dean Paterson, Task Element 630.1.5 commander and the Australian Host Nation Liaison Officer. “It meant a lot to lead the ceremony with so many people attending such an early morning event – just awesome.”
ANZAC Day, commemorated annually on April 25, is a national day of remembrance for both Australia and New Zealand that broadly recognizes the service and sacrifice of past and present servicemen and women. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australia and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC is an acronym which stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and the soldiers in those forces became known as Anzacs, according to the Australian War Memorial website.
As part of the ceremony, RAAF Corporal Adrian Domashenz listed off many of the conflicts Australia and New Zealand forces have fought in, starting with Gallipoli and running through those of more recent times in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. “May their sacrifice bring liberty to many and peace to all,” he said.
The ceremony incorporated speakers from the nations of Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Turkey, and all four nations had representatives lay wreaths of remembrance.
“One hundred years ago, New Zealand and Australia marked the first peacetime ANZAC Day,” stated a New Zealand Air Force intelligence officer during her ceremony speech. “There were four themes at services on ANZAC Day 1919: pride in the bravery and endurance … shown at Gallipoli and on other battlefields; the need to care for returned service personnel; the duty the community had to care for families of those who had not returned, and to make the world a better and brighter place.” The officer mentioned that this last theme is especially important in light of the terror attacks that happened in Christchurch, New Zealand, March 15, 2019.
Paterson had participated in ANZAC Day ceremonies in the past, but this event was the first he had led.
“I really appreciate the involvement of all,” said the squadron leader. “I had never heard the British perspective on the [Gallipoli] events, and found that to be a valuable contribution to our ceremony.”
The ceremony was put together by a team of Coalition personnel.
“The team did a fantastic job finalizing the event,” said Paterson, who had been out of the area in the weeks leading up to the event. “The Australian and U.S. communications teams put in a great effort to ensure a beautiful ceremony.” He also wanted to recognize the importance of the Turkish participation.
“What touches me the most is the long lasting friendship that has been built [between the Australian and Turkish forces] between then and now.” During the ceremony, a Turkish officer read the quote attributed to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who was a Commander of Ottoman forces during the First World War and later the founder of modern Turkey.
“You, the mothers who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears. Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace.”
United Kingdom Chaplain Padre Matthew Stevens provided the prayers for the service, and commented on the reason to hold such a ceremony in a deployed location.
“It is important as a Coalition that we gather together in unity regardless of culture or background,” said Stevens. “Even more so in today’s operating environment, that we coalesce and remember what unites us, and share corporate memory of our forebears.”
The sunrise service was followed by a fellowship breakfast in a local dining facility.