esidents of Weymouth and Portland are invited to a short wreath laying and service of remembrance in recognition of ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day this month.
The service will take place at the ANZAC Memorial on Weymouth Seafront, opposite the Russell Hotel at 11am on Friday 25 April.
The memorial commemorates the thousands of Australian and New Zealand volunteer servicemen who passed through camps and hospitals in Dorset during the First World War between battles in the Middle East and those on the Western Front in Europe.
Weymouth & Portland Borough Council Economy, Leisure and Tourism Manager Nick Thornley said: “With memorial services like this we can honour the great commitment of service men and women during wartime.
“This year is especially important as it marks the 100 year anniversary of the start of the First World War and it recognises the ANZAC troops that were stationed in Weymouth during this time.”
“Anyone interested is encouraged to come down and support the service people of Australia and New Zealand.”
The mayor will be laying a wreath together with Lt Neil Amey from the Royal Australian Navy and Josh Aperahama from the New Zealand High Commission. Representatives from ex-service organisations and associations will also be attending the ceremony.
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On 1 June 2005, the three-sided monolith was unveiled on Weymouth Seafront; 90 years after the first Australian and New Zealand Army Corps troops arrived in Weymouth after action in Gallipoli in 1915.
The memorial is located opposite the Russell Hotel, which was used as a hospital by the ANZAC servicemen during the First World War.
