On April 25th, 2023, Samoa celebrated ANZAC Day with a dawn service, which has become a tradition. The Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa, was invited by the Returned Services Association of Samoa to join the solemn reflection of the event.
In her speech, the Prime Minister expressed her gratitude for the sacrifices made by the servicemen and women who fought for peace and freedom. She emphasized that the ANZAC spirit lives on in the work of those currently involved in operations overseas, including United Nations peacekeepers and humanitarian missions. Samoa is proud to acknowledge its UN peacekeepers in Afghanistan, South Sudan, and the Golan Heights, to name a few.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the enduring links between Samoa and its Pacific neighbours, working together to ensure the region’s peace, security, and stability. She acknowledged the families and communities who have loved ones currently deployed on operations, and the indication of willingness of Samoa’s key partners, Australia, New Zealand, and the US, to include any Samoan nationals in evacuation procedures in the trouble spots areas where their forces are deployed.
Finally, the Prime Minister thanked the President and Returned Servicemen’s Association for giving them the opportunity to be part of this remembrance service, emphasizing that the true and lasting legacy of the sacrifices made is the freedoms that we continue to enjoy to this day. She urged everyone not to let despair be our tribute to them.
Overall, the Prime Minister’s speech emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by those who fought for peace and freedom, and the need to continue working together to ensure a peaceful and stable future for all.
