Send an Anzac message to kiwi forces

Colonel Gary Brosnan is welcomed by the Australian Commander of the International Stabilisation Force, Commodore Stuart Mayer in Dili, Timor-Leste. (photo courtesy of ADF)
25 March 2010

The New Zealand Defence Force is encouraging the public to send a message to Kiwi Defence personnel who will be overseas on Anzac Day (25 April).

A facility on the Defence Force website allows people to send either a general or individual message to military personnel deployed overseas. The messages will be sent to personnel on 23 April, so that they will be received before Anzac Day.

“The ANZAC spirit forged 95 years ago at Gallipoli continues today with our defence personnel serving alongside their Australian counterparts in countries such as Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands,” said Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Air Vice-Marshal Peter Stockwell.

“While Anzac Day honours those lost in past conflicts, we would like to remember those New Zealanders currently serving their country. Anzac Day is a day when Defence Force personnel reflect on their history and the deep connections they have as individuals, and collectively as a Defence Force, to our nation. It reinforces a sense of identity, belonging and pride.

“We hope people around the country will show their support for our military personnel by sending them a message from home. Our personnel spend long periods of time away from their families and friends and reminders of home are always special,” he said.

On Anzac Day the Defence Force will have personnel deployed on 14 peacekeeping operations, United Nations missions and defence exercises around the world.

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