Anzac services draw crowds
“We gather as we shall always gather, not to glorify war, but calmly and reverently, remind ourselves that we value who we are and the freedoms that we possess.
“We also come together to acknowledge the courage, and sacrifice, of all the men and women who have contributed so much in shaping the identity and the destiny of this our nation, and who laid down their lives for our freedom.
“During times of conflict in war time, dawn is a time of tense anticipation of what the day may bring. As the new dawn is now about to pierce the night sky, and for the coming of the new light to the dark places of the world, we ask God to bring with it peace, love and harmony.
“Ka maumahara ton tatou ki a ratou we will remember them,” Soloman said.
Navarn Chapman, head boy from Manawatu¯ College, read the ode: “They shall grow not old, as we who are left grow old, age shall not weary them nor the years condemn . . . at the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them.”
Following the dawn services, another service was held at the cenotaph later that morning, with services also held at the Levin War Veterans Home and the Masonic Village that afternoon, before a twilight service at the Levin cemetery also attended by members of sea cadets and Scout groups.
There were also large numbers recorded at services held at Waitarere Beach, Tokomaru, O¯ taki, and Shannon.