101st Anniversary Commemoration Service for Gallipoli/Dardanelles/Canakkale Campaign Monday 25th April 2016

This important annual service was held at The National Memorial Arboretum on Monday 25th April 2016. It was organised by Mr Nadir Imamoglu, the creator of the Gallipoli Memorial located here.

President John Crowe and members of the Gallipoli & Dardanelles International attended the service. President Crowe was invited to speak during the Chapel Service. He drew attention to the many countries that were involved which resulted in almost half a million casualties. It was therefore vitally important that all were now at peace with each other.

One of the G&DI members Albert Touboul aged 86 years had travelled from Paris. He was the first from France to attend since the ceremonies started at the Arboretum.

Nadir Imamoglu read the moving words of peace and reconciliation made by the late President Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in both English and Turkish.

The procession from the Chapel to the Memorial was led by the Standard of G&GI. Wreathes were then laid including one for G&DI and one for France by Albert Touboul.

It was a very solemn and memorable occasion. G&DI is grateful to Mr Nadir Imamoglu, Mrs Jan and Mr Roger Pepper for organisation this important annual event.