Manawatu¯ regions remember the fallen
Thousands of people have gathered at Anzac Day dawn services to pay their respects to those who served their nation.
Families made their way to cenotaphs across the wider Manawatu¯ to honour those who didn’t come back from conflicts of old, such as the Boerwar and world wars, tomore recent campaigns in Vietnam and Afghanistan.
Seven people from Palmerston North were killed in the Boerwar, 848 in World War I, 567 in WWII and 12 in the conflicts since.
Missing from the crowds in Palmerston North’s Te Marae o Hine-the Square were soldiers and airmen on the front line of Operation Protect, the fight against Covid-19.
The fight was different now, but the dedication to protecting their homeland was steadfast, mayor Grant Smith told the dawn service gathering.
‘‘Thankfully we are not at war, but these dedicated defence men and women continue to have the nation’s back in times of national civil emergency.’’
John Oxenham, 46, wore his medals with pride at the post-service coffee and rum breakfast at the Palmerston North Cosmopolitan Club.
Like his father, he served in Linton’s 16th Field Regiment as a gunner for 20 years, including postings to East Timor and Bosnia on peacekeeping operations.
He joined the army at 18 to see the world. ‘‘I guess it was the same inspiration the Anzacs would have had. A lot of them wouldn’t have known what to expect when they got there. They were probably shocked at what they saw.’’
Supported by his daughter Te Aurere, 14, they remembered his father, Francis Oxenham, who also served in the Special Air Service, and the sacrifices of service members who came before them.
‘‘He never spoke of it, but I’ve seen pictures. He was an amazing person. You have to respect what the previous soldiers have done for our country.
‘‘But Anzac Day is about everybody, not just past soldiers, but present as well. The amazing job they are doing and how well they are representing New Zealand, it’s just fantastic.’’
Oxenham continues to serve with the army, helping medics in Linton Military Camp to receive the resources they need to vaccinate soldiers heading TOMIQ facilities on the new front line. In Feilding, speakers talked about women in the military.
Ffion White, head girl of Feilding High School, spoke to the 1000 people gathered about where and when women had served, and about the milestones for women achieving equal status in the military.
‘‘Let us never forget the significant contribution women have made and continue to make.’’
Tim Wallace and his family always stand in the same spot on Manchester Square.
He used to take his father, Robert Wallace, to that spot until he died in 2006.
Robert Wallace served in the air force. He flew a Lancaster bomber in WWII and fought in the Korean War.
Tim Wallace served in the air force for nine years before becoming a St John paramedic and fire serviceman.
Every Anzac service since his father’s death, someone in the family wears his medals.