Lives of those who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations and the contribution and suffering of all those who have served, were honoured and remembered as Samoa marked ANZAC Day with a solemn dawn service early Saturday morning. 

The service began at 5:30 am at the Apia Town Clock War Memorial, where officials, families, and friends gathered alongside government representatives to pay their respects to fallen soldiers.

As the sun rose over Apia, people stood quietly in remembrance of those who died in war, joining together in a moment of reflection and honour. The service also featured live music, with violins and trumpets played softly as part of the ceremony.

The service was attended by the Head of State, Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, and his Masiofo, Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano.

 They were joined by members of the diplomatic corps, including Australian High Commissioner Will Robinson and New Zealand High Commissioner Si’alei van Toor, as well as government leaders, including Acting Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa and Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua. Members of the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services also stood in respect.

Wreaths were laid at the Apia Town Clock memorial in honour of New Zealanders, Australians, and Pacific Islanders, including Samoans, who served and died in World War I, World War II, and later conflicts, including peacekeeping missions around the world.

ANZAC Day is observed each year on April 25. It is a day of remembrance for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who fought at Gallipoli in World War I. It is also a time to honour all soldiers, including Samoans and other Pacific Islanders, who served and died in wars and peacekeeping missions. In Samoa, it is marked with dawn services, wreath-laying, and reflection on sacrifice, peace, and freedom.

This annual dawn service is held each year as part of Samoa’s ongoing commemoration of ANZAC Day