Clark speaks at Anzac service in New York

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has made one of her first public appearances since accepting a top position at the United Nations - she has given an Anzac Day speech in New York.

Helen Clark flew to New York a week ago to head the United Nations Development Programme.

In her speech to the Anzac Memorial Service at the Anzac Garden in the Rockefeller Centre, Helen Clark said Gallipoli had a special place in New Zealand and Australian hearts as their first engagement in World War I, as a military disaster and for the generosity of spirit shown by Turkey towards the Anzacs and their families.

"In acknowledging our own citizens today, we also pay our respect to the soldiers of Turkey who fought so bravely for their country."

The heavy price paid by the soldiers and their families helped to define New Zealand and Australia as independent nations and created a deep bond between them, she said.

"It is often said that our people went away as colonial soldiers in the service of the empire, and that those who returned came home as New Zealanders and Australians."

Helen Clark spoke of the humbling experience of visiting Anzac Cove and other places of historical significance.

"Today we recognise courage, endeavour, mateship, service and sacrifice, and we honour all who answered their nation's call to serve.

"In commemorating Anzac Day as our national day of remembrance, we ensure that we never forget the loss of life, the tremendous suffering, the grief of the families at home, the children and young people who grew up without fathers, brothers, and uncles, the many widowed, and the impact of so many fallen on our communities and nations."

It was a day for "committing ourselves to working for a world where differences between nations can be resolved without resort to war".

- NZPA