A former Australian serviceman wipes away tears during a dawn service to commemorate ANZAC Day at the Martin Place cenotaph in Sydney April 25, 2011. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corp and ANZAC day is marked annually with hundreds of d
IN PHOTO: A former Australian serviceman wipes away tears during a dawn service to commemorate ANZAC Day at the Martin Place cenotaph in Sydney April 25, 2011. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corp and ANZAC day is marked annually with hundreds of dawn services across the two countries. Reuters/Tim Wimborne

The U.S. Department of Defense praised the Australian and New Zealand soldiers for fighting for their national identity and making sure the world was a safer place. An exhibit in the Australia, New Zealand and United States Corridor at the Pentagon was launched in commemoration of the 100th year of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Day or ANZAC Day on April 25.

U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work said ANZAC Day is a “sacred” day for the people of Australia and New Zealand to honour the bravery and service of their soldiers not only on the shores of Gallipoli but in every major conflict since then. “Although Gallipoli was a failure in the operational sense, it is a story of just incredible bravery, courage and sacrifice,” said Work.

The deputy defence secretary added that despite the challenge the Australians and New Zealanders faced on the beach in Gallipoli, they had fought bravely for several and endured hardships. The ANZAC soldiers had attacked the Turks who were surrounded rifles, machine guns and bayonets, reports DoD News.

Work said more than 10,000 troops from the armies of Australia and New Zealand had died during those months. He remarked that it is almost impossible to imagine the loss. For more than 60 years since, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. troops had served together to ensure the security of their countries.

The deputy defence secretary said the partnership between the U.S., Australia and New Zealand has resulted in “rapid responses” to global security threats no matter where they emerge. Work noted that the troops of the three countries had worked together in keeping the peace in Afghanistan and in West Africa to battle the deadly Ebola virus.

Work lauded Australia and New Zealand troops for becoming “invaluable partners” in the U.S.-led international coalition against ISIS. He said the U.S. is grateful for Australia and New Zealand’s continued leadership and partnership.

About 300 Australian troops will help train the Iraqi government forces and provide logistical and security support in the ongoing fight against ISIS, reports ABC. The contingent will be part of Taskforce Taji alongside about 100 troops from New Zealand.

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