Australian and New Zealanders gather in Gallipoli

In the early hours of Thursday, Australians and New Zealanders observed the 98th anniversary of the troops comprising their ancestors landing at the Gallipoli peninsula during the World War I Dardanelles (Canakkale) Campaign. A traditional down ceremony was organized at 05:30 a.m., attended by Deputy Governor of Canakkale Alper Faruk Bingol, New Zealand Defense Minister Jonathan Coleman, Australia Veterans' Affairs Minister Warren Snowdon, Australian Ambassador to Turkey Ian Biggs and Australia Air Force Commander Gen. Mark Binskin. Speaking at the ceremony, Coleman said that the Turkish people have suffered many losses in order to defend their country. "Turkey has lost 87,000 sons here. But when we come here to commemorate and show our respect for our losses each year, we are received in the best way with friendship and warmth. We would like to thank you for ensuring that these commemoration ceremonies are organized and these holly areas are preserved," Coleman added.