AS AUSTRALIANS and New Zealanders come together today to mark Anzac Day, local ex-servicemen, expatriates and diplomats in Fiji will join them in a show of solidarity.
Held annually to commemorate the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops on the Gallipoli Peninsula on the April 25, Anzac Day will be marked in Fiji with the dawn stand-to.
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Glen Miles said the day evolved into so much more from its original roots.
"Anzac Day for Australians is a day when we acknowledge the courage, mateship and above all, the sacrifice demonstrated by Australians and New Zealanders in the face of great odds at Gallipoli," said Mr Miles.
"It's also a time when we honour our servicemen and women who have served and fallen in other conflicts as well as those serving today," he said.
He said there would be wreath-laying ceremonies across Australia, while at Gallipoli around 15,000 Australians and New Zealanders would pay their respects.
"In Fiji, the Australian and New Zealand communities will stand together at our dawn commemorative service," said Mr Miles.
For New Zealand Trade commissioner to Fiji Peter Lund, Anzac Day was one that was personally important.
He explained to The Fiji Times his father served in the World War II as an orderly on board a hospital ship and he had relatives that had fought in the war.
He said Anzac Day evolved into one that brought young people together to appreciate the sacrifices made by those who fought and laid their lives at the altar of freedom.
Mr Lund also said he was looking forward to spend some more time with the Fijian ex-serviceman at the dawn stand-to.