Australian Minister pays tribute to war heroes at ANZAC Day memorial in Nauru

The minister who is on her first visit to the island nation told guests that ANZAC Day is Australia’s most important national commemorative occasion.

“For Australia, the First World War was a loss of innocence, a coming of age, and a proof of nationhood. Each generation of Australians measures itself against the Anzacs’ courage and sacrifice’” Fierravanti-Wells said. 

She said the ravages of conflict in particular two world wars are far reaching.

“Nauru has not been untouched by these conflicts. During the First World War, Australian troops ousted the German Empire from this island.”

“For Nauru, the Second World War has the significance that the First World War has for Australia and New Zealand. Japanese troops occupied Nauru and sent around half of the population to what was then Truk, now Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia,” Fierravanti-Wells said.

“We know of at least five Australian civilians who were executed while prisoners of war by Japanese soldiers during the occupation of Nauru. I understand that, with the help of the people of Nauru, the Australian Department of Defence has been investigating the whereabouts of those Australians who have lain here since 1943.”  

“Nauru is their final resting place,” the minister added.

Fierravanti-Wells paid tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives in the conflicts.

“These events are part of our shared Pacific history – an important strand in the ties that bind our countries. 

“Let us remember that our generation is not the first in which Nauruans, Australians and New Zealanders, together with friends from other nations, have worked together to build development, stability and security across our region. Nor will we be the last. We, too, will leave an example for others to follow, “the minister said.

Photo Twitter: Minister Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells. ANZAC Day memorial event in Nauru