ANZAC day services were held around New Zealand on Friday morning to honor veterans of past conflicts, and to mark 93 years since allied forces landed in Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I.
More than 2,000 people gathered at the Cenotaph in central Wellington.
The crowd's applause for veterans' marching away from the Cenotaph marked the end of a service that brought many to tears, Radio New Zealand reported on Friday.
The Chief of the Defence Force, Jerry Mateparae, told the crowd that many people are remembering family currently deployed overseas.
At the National War Memorial, defence force personnel are providing a dawn to dusk vigil ceremony over the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.
In Auckland, more than 10,000 people gathered in the Domain for the dawn service, where a special tribute was paid to Vietnam War veterans.
Organizers said the 2008 service recognized the contribution of Vietnam veterans and their families in particular.
Auckland City Mayor John Banks and Governor General Anand Satyanand both laid wreaths at the foot of the Cenotaph.
They also erected a small white cross in the field of remembrance for the unknown soldier.
Prime Minister Helen Clark attended an ANZAC memorial service in Auckland.
She was one of about 400 people who have gathered at the Mount Albert War Memorial.
In South Island city of Christchurch, 15 dawn services were held around the city.
Source:Xinhua
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