by Helen Martin
For the second year running, the customary ANZAC Day commemorations had to take on a new form. Last year’s cancellation was due to concerns over the inability to police mass gatherings after Christchurch mosque massacre, this year Covid-19 has reared its ugly head, with April 25 occurring during Level 4 lockdown.
This year, while none of the customary services could be held on ANZAC Day, Kaipara Memorial RSA arranged for wreaths to be laid at the cenotaphs. They also encouraged people to take part in the RNZSA stand-at-dawn initiative (https://www.standatdawn.com/home)and to send photos and videos of their private ceremonies to kaipararsa@xtra.co.nz, to be posted on the organisation’s Facebook page. A national initiative enabled people to hear and see virtual ANZAC ceremonies live on radio and television.
With the cancellation of Poppy Day, the Kaipara Memorial RSA welfare fund is accepting online donations to support veterans. Members have also been reminded that annual subscriptions are due, and that “Subscriptions and welfare donations will be crucial for the Kaipara Memorial RSA’s future.”