For the last two years we have been able to do little more than stand at the end of our
drives, on 25 April, to remember those who gave their lives so we could remain in a free world. This year it was back to normal on 25 April. The date marks the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand soldiers – the Anzacs – on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915.
All across the country, and around the world, we remembered the ANZAC forces, the New Zealanders and Australians who fought for our freedom. In the cities and in the small towns and villages crowds of people, young and old gathered. For dawn services and for memorial services, in halls and meeting places crowds listened quietly to brief reminders of what it was like, at sea,in the air, in the trenches and on the battle fields
where young men, barely old enough to vote, fought bravely so we need not. At Waimauku the hall was full, both old and young, and outside people stood in the street,
listening to the speakers and reflecting, many wearing their forbear’s medals. At the conclusion of the service the parade marched to the RSA for the final part of the memorial and wreath laying. The parade was lead by a restored jeep and followed at the rear by a tank.
Lest we forget
