On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I am honored to send our best wishes to the people of Australia and New Zealand on Anzac Day this April 25.

Today we stand together to honor the memory of the courageous heroes of Gallipoli. We also acknowledge the brave Australian and New Zealand personnel, past and present, who have sacrificed and served to secure peace in the years since that historic battle.

We face a different challenge this year, and we commend all the heroes in the medical community who are sacrificing so much for the health of our citizens. Working together to combat this unprecedented pandemic is another demonstration of how Australia, New Zealand, and the United States collaborate to overcome threats to the health, security and prosperity of our citizens.

We celebrate the bond that Australians and New Zealanders have gained through shared sacrifice and reflect on the hope, courage, and freedom that unite our nations. On this Anzac Day, we stand with Australia and New Zealand to honor those who made – and continue to make – the ultimate sacrifice to keep the rest of us secure.