Anzac Day - Community Coming Together

I know it's been some time since Anzac Day but given the sacrifices these people made I reckon you can talk about it any time.

This year I went to our local Anzac Day commemoration at Maraekakaho. Thankfully it wasn't a dawn start, it was at the more civilized time of 9.30am which meant that I could get my Sunday coffee and paper in beforehand. The service was held in the local Community Hall which was bulging at the seams with families, young people, veterans and the more mature amongst us. I learned about the Landgirls - an association that started during WW2 where young women went to work on farms because the men were away at war. One of the few Landgirls left living in Hawke's Bay talked about her adventures and the trials they faced. Very enlightening. The whole congregation then took to the main road for a march to the cenotaph. We were led by a solider, dressed in period uniform, on horseback and the obligatory pipe band.

At the Cenotaph children and adults alike lay wreathes, posies and poppy badges while the Last Post played and we had our very own fly over - not quite the Skyhawks but very special anyway. Then it was back to the road and the slightly slower march back up to the Community Hall. In true country fashion a cup of tea and scones were laid on for all and it was a time of catching up with neighbours and, for the few Diggers that were there, reminiscing and telling tall tales.

This year was the largest turnout the community had seen on Anzac Day - I think that is testimony to the revitalization of this special commemoration around the country. Whatever the reason it was wonderful to be part of this community celebration and I look forward to a repeat performance next year.

THE BEST.....the amazing turnout from around the area.

THE WORST...the horse poops that kids had to skirt around on the march to the Cenotaph. Good idea not to follow to closely.

I'M LEARNING.... that the young people are really embracing their country's history.