ANZAC Day — It’s Origin and Significance to Australia and New Zealand

The members of VFW Post 406, Newport, invite the public to a special presentation, Thursday, March 30th. Our second lecture of 2023 will present how two or our strategic allies, Australia and New Zealand remember and honor their Veterans through the observance of ANZAC Day.

As fledging nations, Australia & New Zealand were early combatants in WWI, fighting alongside the United Kingdom, France, and the other Allied powers. Local resident Phill King, a retired Australian Army veteran and the third of four generations of combat Veterans will provide an overview of the Gallipoli Campaign of 1915-1916, which is where the combined Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) was first assembled for the amphibious assault against the Ottoman Empire.

As early as 1916, Australia and New Zealand began the observance of ANZAC Day to commemorate and honor the sacrifice made by the casualties incurred during that campaign. Phill will then explain the significance of ANZAC Day ceremonies and traditions, and how its observance has changed from 1916 to the present day.

Our speaker enlisted in the Australian Army in 1974, and served 22 years in artillery and logistics units , retiring as an Artificer Sergeant Major (ASM) with the rank of Warrant Officer Class One. During his service, he served alongside US forces in Somalia (1993) among other areas. Post-retirement, he has worked as a program manager in the defense industry with many different military institutions.

Phill moved to the United State in 2008 and became a Naturalized US Citizen in September 2012. He now lives in Newport with his wife Christine.

The lecture will be held at the Newport Elks Lodge 104, 141 Pelham St, Newport RI, and is open to all to attend.

Please arrive at 5:00 pm. Light hors d’oeuvres will be provided as well as access to a cash bar.  The lecture begins promptly at 6:00 PM.

The suggested donation of $10.00 supports local Veteran programs and activities.

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