Letter: Anzac Day Dawn Parade

Kia orana, sincere congratulations must go out to the organisers of this year’s Anzac Day Dawn Parade. Extremely well attended by local veterans, ex-servicemen and women, their families, children and grandchildren, as well as many visiting from overseas, including Victor #4 … fantastic to see the great turnout!

! Even most of the dignitaries were in place by the time the Parade Commander called the marchers to attention, to begin their march on to the parade ground. These veterans and servicemen and women are the REAL VIPs, and of course not getting any younger; and with the proceedings so well organised, with the MC doing a fine job of moving everything at pace, no one was subjected to long periods of standing and listening to speeches. Even the padre was straight to the point, and the wreath laying was well organised and beautifully done.  The uniformed groups and accompanying bands were outstanding, as were their representatives reading the various odes and poems. Having our own piper and bugle player is a huge bonus, and really adds flavour to the ceremony.  The weather too played its part, keeping the rain at bay until the ceremony was over. 

So until next year … Lest we forget.

(One point for organisers to perhaps earmark for future years, is that chairs should be provided next to the Cenotaph wall, exclusively set aside for those veterans and service men and women who are unable to stand throughout the entire proceedings, but still want to be present). 

(Name and address supplied)