Anzac Day remembrance services

RSA president heartened by the numbers

Aday of Anzac remembrance began before dawn and ended with the going down of the sun in Horowhenua as record numbers attended services throughout the day.

Levin RSA president Wayne Kaye said he was heartened by how many people attended the different services throughout the region, with a large crowd attending the dawn service at the Remembrance Park cenotaph in Levin in the morning.

Kaye said he couldn’t remember seeing a larger crowd at a dawn service.

“There were a lot of young people and families too which is good to see,” he said.

More than 200 people marched from Levin RSA before dawn to the cenotaph led by Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden, Kaye, and several past and current servicemen and women in tow. Oxford St was closed to traffic for the march.

A large crowd was waiting in the dark at the cenotaph. In what was eerie timing, two Iroquois army helicopters flew overhead as the New Zealand flag was lowered to half-mast and The Last Post was played and a wreath was laid.

Kaye, who played The Last Post and The Retreat on his bugle at services throughout the day, said now and always it was important to remember the horror of war and the sacrifices made by those who served and continue to serve their country.

“Many were just teenagers . . . it is important that it is ingrained in people’s thoughts the sacrifices that were made and continue to be made,” he said.

In his speech Kaye paid homage not just to WWI and WWII veterans, but to all those involved in conflict or peacekeeping roles since, in places like Vietnam, Korea, Iraq, East Timor and Afghanistan.

Kaye said the RSA existed predominantly for the welfare of all returned servicemen and women and their families and Anzac Day poppy sales went towards the care of all war veterans.

The Anzac Day dawn service in Foxton opened to a small gathering with a speech from RSA president Dave Roach, and then a formal reading by Trevor Soloman.

“Anzac Day is a precious day, a day of reflection and remembrance, and a day when we can stand too, with our war vets, as a unified nation. It’s with great respect that we remember all the personnel who have served our country throughout history, and

Levin's Cenotaph after the annual ceremony and wreath and poppy laying.

Wreath laying by deputy mayor Jo Mason and Horowhenua College students.

A wreath from ex-prisoners of war.

Levin's Cenotaph after the annual ceremony and wreath and poppy laying. in particular and importantly, those who lost their lives or suffered physical or permanent damage. You are always in our hearts and thoughts on this very special day,” Soloman said.

There was a large turnout for the Anzac service at Remembrance Park in Levin.

The local Scout group attended the Anzac Day dawn service in Levin.

Wreaths at Levin's Cenotaph.