This year the ANZAC Day theme for the Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association (RSA) is recognizing the “young veterans”, says Pira Wichman, who will represent the organisation and is the guest speaker at the Dawn Service parade on Monday, April 25.

Many people see “veterans” as being perhaps, only those who had served in WWI and WWII and up to Vietnam, said Wichman, the Royal New Zealand RSA in their support role, support veterans - especially those who have left the forces.

Wichman noted that 58 per cent of veterans whom they help and support are under the age of 60, with some of them are as young as in their 20s.

Those who have served overseas in the military and where they served, the Government of New Zealand have recognized them as meeting the “qualifying operational services” and became a veteran under the Veterans Act, Wichman said.

“People don’t realise that we have many people now (over 10,000in NZ ) that are under the age of 30.

“Not all of them seek the support of the RSA, but we are there as a RSA to give them their support, should they need it… they need to know that we are there… you don’t have to be old to be a veteran.”

Anzac is one of Australia and New Zealand's most important and revered annual national occasions and marks the anniversary of the first major military action the countries’ forces fought during World War I.

Local resident Dennis Dwane MBE, has served in the New Zealand Army Dennis for 50 years, for him, ANZAC Day is a time of “reflection.”

“I reflect on people I served with, those who I’ve witnessed dying, that’s a moment that I remember, and those who I’ve worked with closely, and who have passed.”

And poignantly noted, “in the first group of Vietnam veterans that went over there - about 135… only 22 are left alive today…”

Rarotonga’s 107th ANZAC Dawn Service on Monday is restricted, in accordance with the current COVID-19 protocols.

Other agencies, organisations and individuals are invited to lay their tributes on completion of the formal ceremony throughout the day.

The Cook Islands Returned Services Association (RSA) will hold a Dawn Parade and fall-in will be at 5.30am at the eastern side of the Ministry of Justice, the march on to the Cenotaph at 5.55am

All ex-service (and serving) men and women, including visiting ex-Service personnel are invited to attend wearing their medals.

Guests are invited to join the RSA committee and members to a simple light ‘gun fire’ breakfast at the RSA.

The ANZAC Day Dawn Service will be live streamed and organizers apologize for any inconvenienced caused.