ANZAC Day 2009 will be observed on Saturday 25 April, recalling and commemorating the fact that servicemen from Tonga also fought and died in major conflicts in the interests of world peace.

This year's ANZAC Day marks the 94th anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces at Anzac Cove in 1915, at the same time as British and French forces landed further along the coast of the Gallipoli Peninsular in Turkey. This heroic but disastrous campaign resulted in a very high number of allied soldiers being killed, wounded and recorded as missing.

For Australians and New Zealanders, 25 April has become a day of national reflection, as we pause to remember and honour the men and women who have served and sacrificed in all wars, conflicts and peace operations. We share with peoples of other nationalities the loss and sacrifice and the sense of the ultimate futility of war.

To commemorate the day in Tonga, a Dawn Service commencing at 6.00 am sharp will be held at the Cenotaph at Pangai Si'i. Major Rex Johnson, Regional Commander of the Salvation Army will be the Officiating Minister.

All members of the public are invited to attend. All those attending are asked to be seated by 5.45 am. Medals may be worn.

It would be advisable to bring a torch to read the Service. Australian High Commission, 20/04/09.