ANZAC services held across Pacific
, Correspondent French Pacific Desk
The ANZAC Day Dawn service ceremony in New Caledonia this Friday was attended by a larger-than-usual number of representatives from the region.
This included the two main participants, Australia and New Zealand, its diplomatic representatives and visiting soldiers.
But due to the regional military exercise Southern Cross, currently under way in New Caledonia and Wallis-and-Futuna, several defence force members from Vanuatu, Tonga or Papua New Guinea were also present at the dawn service, in downtown Nouméa.
Southern Cross 2025 was launched earlier this week, with key regional inter-operational components based in Nouméa and another operational part being in distant Wallis-and-Futuna.
The exercise, this year, brings together around two thousand soldiers from up to 19 countries.
It is designed to simulate humanitarian relief following a devastating cyclone on Wallis island.
New Caledonia's government was represented by its President Alcide Ponga while the French government was represented by High Commission Secretary-General Stanislaw Alfonsi.
Another ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, at the New Zealand cemetery in Nesssadiou, on the north-western coast of the main island.
1000 men from the Pacific Islands served in World War I, including 500 men from the Cook Islands and 150 from Niue.
Niue
New Zealand's Veterans' Minister said the effects of war are deeply felt in a small Pacific Island like Niue.
Chris Penk attended commemorations in Niue including a national remembrance service today.
150 men from Niue volunteered to serve in the New Zealand expeditionary force during World War One.
At least 15 of those were killed in action.
Cook Islands
In Rarotonga, people gathered to this morning reflect on the contribution and sacrifices made by those who have served their nation, and those who continue to serve across Australia, New Zealand and Cook Islands.
An ANZAC service was also held on Atiu.
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