ANZAC Day will be observed at a dawn service in Tonga on Monday 25 April at the Cenotaph at Pangai, to commemorate the brave servicemen and women from Tonga, Australia and New Zealand who fought and died for world peace.

Although Gallipoli was the first major combat role for Australia and New Zealand in the First World War, this year marks the 100^th anniversary of their service on the Western Front (France and Belgium) in the Battle of the Somme with the support of Pacific Island nations, including Tonga. The Battle of the Somme was one of the largest and bloodiest military battles in history with over 1 million casualties and it was here that ANZAC forces made the greatest contribution to the First World War.

The New Zealand and Australian High Commissions in Nuku'alofa, in a statement today, have invited members of the public to attend this year’s dawn service to remember and honour the men and women who have served and sacrificed in war, conflicts and peace operations.

"It is a time to remember those who returned and those who did not, and also reflect on the impact their service had on those who remained at home."

The New Zealand High Commission advised that all those attending will need to be seated by 5.45am and medals may be worn.