Australian Embassy holds ANZAC Day service at Amman Citadel

AMMAN — The Australian embassy in Jordan on Thursday hosted an early morning service at the Amman Citadel to commemorate ANZAC Day.

“Today we remember the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought at Gallipoli and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in all wars since,” the Australian Ambassador Miles Armitage said during the service. “It is a solemn and important occasion for Australians and the Amman Citadel is a fitting backdrop, particularly as Australians and New Zealanders fought alongside the Arab Army on this very ground during the Great Arab Revolt.”

The ceremony was attended by HRH Prince Mired, Brig. Gen. Mohammad Hyasat of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and other senior officials, according to a statement sent to The Jordan Times.

Prince Mired was joined by representatives of other nations in laying wreaths to commemorate the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the World War I.

“It is indeed very poignant to see representatives of nations that were at war over 100 years ago, now standing side by side in unity. This reflects the peace, respect and cooperation that underpin the modern day relationships between these nations,” the ambassador stated.

Armitage said that his country recognised the strong historical bonds between Australia and Jordan, adding that “our forbearers fought together in the Great Arab Revolt of World War I.”

Australians and Jordanians have continued to serve together on military operations in East Timor, Afghanistan and most recently as part of the International Coalition against Daesh, according to the statement.