NSW: Statue of New Zealand soldier dedicated on Anzac bridge

AAP General News (Australia)
04-27-2008
NSW: Statue of New Zealand soldier dedicated on Anzac bridge

The Australian digger's lonely vigil at Sydney's Anzac Bridge is over.

While the bronze soldier stands steadfastly at the western end .. watching the sun
go down .. he now has a New Zealand mate .. facing east to the rising sun .. both with
sand from Gallipoli under their feet.

At today's dedication ceremony .. Ms CLARK told war veterans and dignitaries the two
memorial statues symbolise the extraordinary and close friendship between New Zealand
and Australia in times of war and peace.

NSW Premier MORRIS IEMMA says that thanks to the generosity of the New Zealand government
and the RSL .. the two diggers now share the watch.

The Anzac legend .. he says .. flies on two wings .. not one.

Flags on the bridge were lowered to half mast and the Last Post was sounded .. followed
by a minute's silence and a fly-by by an RAAF fighter jet.

AAP krc/cdh/jt/cdh/jmt

KEYWORD: ANZAC STATUE (SYDNEY)

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