ANZAC Day scaled down commemoration due to Covid restrictions

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 23 APRIL 2022: The ANZAC Day will be commemorated on Monday in a scaled down ceremony to protect against the spread of the Covid-19 virus and to be in line with the SOE Level 2 Alert in place.

The President of the Return Services Association (RSA), Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio said due to the State of Emergency orders and restrictions, this year’s celebration will be limited to invited guests only.

“This year is not easy under the SOE but the important message is to obey the SOE orders and only those invited will be allowed through by police, “said Tuala who is also the Deputy Prime Minister.

Under the currently restrictions, 100 people are allowed for public gathering outdoors and 50 for indoors.

In past celebrations, members of the public were allowed to lay wreaths after the Government and diplomatic representatives have laid their wreaths.

However, to observe this years’ social distancing, members of the public are invited to lay wreaths throughout the day with the assistance of the police who will be on duty at the Town Clock War Memorial.

The ceremony come Monday 25 April will start at 6.00 am

• Dawn Parade Service
• Wreath laying on the Town Clock and the Memorial opposite ANZ Bank
• Breakfast hosted by the Australian, New Zealand High Commissioners and Samoan Government.

A police bugler sounds the “Last Post” in last years ANZAC dawn parade ceremony among the wreaths at the foot of the Town Clock War Memorial.

No longer a public holiday
A public holiday always marked this special day in remembrance of the contribution of the soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. ANZAC in Samoa had been extended beyond the Gallipoli campaign to commemorate the contribution of soldiers who fought in other wars, given the many Samoan soldiers serving in various battalions overseas.

But under the HRPP Government, the holiday was removed and taken up as the annual Fathers Day public holiday celebrated in August.

Tuala noted that RSA’s desire is to return the ANZAC Day public holiday.

“We have not approached the issue yet and we feel this is not the right time as priority is for the safety and security of Samoa from COVID-19,” said Tuala.

Lest We Forget
ANZAC Day according to Tuala is not only a celebration of the lives of those who died in wars of the past, but can be related to events of Samoa’s and Pacific history during colonial era.

“Samoa’s fight for freedom from colonialism is the reason why we commemorate Independence Day annually,” he said.

“Sons of Samoa were also drafted into wars of the past and their families who today are testimony to the services rendered by their ancestors,” said Tuala.

“It is a day of celebration and thanksgiving as the world remembers the services rendered by soldiers of all nations.”