Next generation honouring Anzac Day

Leaders of a new generation are calling on young people to remember what Anzac Day means to New Zealand.

Students at St Peter’s School, Cambridge, recently reflected the cost of war as it was their generation in 1914 who were called upon to leave the shores of New Zealand to fight for King and Country.

St Peter’s School head boy Jack Douglas read the Bible verse Matthew 5:43-44 which carries the instructions to love our neighbours and our enemies.

This theme will be carried forward by his deputy Baxter Kane to the Cambridge Anzac Service.

‘‘On the day, my speech will be focused on the loss of life and how the mothers and wives of servicemen felt when their sons didn’t return home,’’ Baxter said.

He will talk about the losses and the impacts from the soldiers from Turkey who fought against the Allied Forces in the Great War of 1914-18.

‘‘Casualties occurred on both sides and today we should remember those affected on the other side of war as well.’’

Baxter said the Anzac poppy is a reminder to all of us not to take the sacrifices of both nations for granted.

‘‘It’s important for me, as our generation is the one which is least connected to the war.’’

Head girl Georgie Edgecumbe on Anzac Day will speak about the need to understand and honour the reason we have freedom today.

‘‘My generation needs to recognise and understand the import- ance this day means to the nation,’’ she said.

Anzac Day commemorations commence in Cambridge on April 24 with a light show with commemorative slides against the Cambridge Town Hall from 6pm.

The Cambridge Brass Band in concert from 6.30pm will perform its Anzac Salute inside the Town Hall.

Anzac Day Services take place starting with the Dawn Service at the Cenotaph from 6am and the Civic Commemorative Service will be inside the Town Hall from 9am followed by a wreath laying service at the Cenotaph.