April 25 is always a special day for the Museum and Luganville — particularly for Australians and New Zealanders. It’s Anzac Day. A national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, that commemorates those who served and died in all wars and conflicts. More specifically, it marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War 1. As has been the custom for many years, a dawn service was held in Rotary Park in Santo that was attended by many locals as well as dignitaries representing Australia and New Zealand.
Kevin Green originally started the ANZAC service with Phil Jones many years ago and since then has ensured it’s a regular commemorative event in Santo. This year Kevin was overseas for work and couldn’t attend. However, Kevin’s wife and Museum board member Mayumi stepped up to ensure the event would go ahead, with the wonderful help of the Santo community.
Special thanks goes to the following people and organisations who made Anzac Day dawn service in Santo possible.
Vanuatu Mobile Force
Australian High Commission, Vanuatu
New Zealand High Commission, Vanuatu
New Zealand Police
Australian Federal Police
Organised by:
Ben Healy & Kim Duncan (Deco Stop Lodge – thanks for the yummy breakfast)
Mark Ferris (NZ Police)
Leighton Shearer (Santo Hardware)
Mayumi Green (Wrecks to Rainforest)
MC – Ben Healy
Special reading:
Students of LIS Luganville International School – Vanuatu
Traditional bottles of rum donated by:
Mark Austin (Vanuatu Agricultural Supplies)
James Carter(South Pacific WWII Museum)
Stephen & Wendy Turner
ANZAC biscuits donated by:
Australian High Commission
Jim & Linda Bennie
Rosemary Lo
Jaylyne Tabacaru
And to everyone who woke up early and participated.
