State Rep. Angus McKelvey placed a wreath at the National Memorial of the Pacific at Punchbowl on April 25 as part of ANZAC Day. PHOTO BY MARK ROSA.

HONOLULU – State Rep. Angus McKelvey of Lahaina placed a wreath at the National Memorial of the Pacific at Punchbowl on April 25 as part of ANZAC Day, the official day of remembrance for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who fought and died at Gallipoli, Turkey in 1915.

McKelvey, who is of Australian-American heritage, said he was pleased to take part in the events celebrated on April 25 each year.

“I’m extremely honored by this privilege to represent the people of Hawaii and my family in honoring the sacrifices of men and women who have lost their lives in all of the world conflicts that are memorialized by ANZAC Day,” said McKelvey, who represents District 10 (West Maui, Maalaea and North Kihei).

McKelvey’s great uncles Alex and Lindsey Howes fought in the battle of Gallipoli during World War I.

“To me this is a very personal, special moment,” he said. “It is a reconnection to my family and to what they witnessed and were a part of so many years ago.”

The ANZAC Day ceremony in Hawaii was led by Jeff Robinson, consulate-general of Australia in Hawaii, and Sir Jim McLay, the New Zealand consulate-general.

“We must never forget the sacrifices that were made, and ANZAC Day reminds us all that we must learn the lessons of history that must never be repeated,” McKelvey said.