Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, April 24, 2024
Hamiltonians are gearing up to honour the valour and sacrifice of our fallen and returned servicemen and women as Anzac Day approaches. With solemn ceremonies and heartfelt tributes, the city will mark this significant day in remembrance of those who served their nation with courage and dedication.
The commemoration will kick off with a poignant dawn service at the city’s Memorial Park Cenotaph at 6 a.m., followed by a civic service at 10 a.m., providing a moment for reflection and gratitude.
Service to the nation
Anzac Day, observed annually on April 25th, bears witness to the landing of the ANZACs on Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915. Over the years, Anzac services have evolved to encompass acknowledgement of New Zealand’s involvement in various conflicts and peacekeeping missions, spanning from World War I to the present day.
Deputy Mayor Angela O’Leary, slated to speak at the civic service, expressed her heartfelt sentiments about the growing significance of Anzac Day gatherings. “It is vital that we never forget the sacrifice of our Anzacs, and it makes me immensely proud to see all the young people that turn up to commemorate this very special day. It is so important to pass the baton on to our youth to ensure the Anzac legacy lives on.”
Master of ceremonies for both services, RSA Chaplain Lance Langley, emphasised the inclusivity of the ceremonies. “We want to ensure that everyone attending the services can fully participate and engage with the proceedings,” he stated.
City adorned with symbolic tributes
This year’s civic service will feature Air Commodore Shaun Sexton of the New Zealand Defence Force as the guest speaker, adding a poignant perspective to the day’s events.
As in previous years, the city will be adorned with symbolic tributes, including more than 5000 poppies installed on the corner of Memorial Drive and Anzac Parade, and 350 white crosses in Memorial Park, each representing a Hamiltonian lost in conflict.
Former NZ Army Warrant Officer Class 1 Tony Wright and his wife, former NZ Army Sergeant Aileen Tough, underscored the multifaceted significance of Anzac Day. “To me, it is the four Rs,” Tough reflected. “Respect, remembrance, reflections, and reunions. It is a chance to remember the fallen, to pay our respect to them and come together.”
In a touching gesture of international camaraderie, Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate will represent the city at Anzac Day services in Leper, Belgium, Hamilton’s friendship city.
Mayor Southgate will convey Hamilton’s deep appreciation to the people of Ieper and Flanders, who have honoured our fallen soldiers’ graves for over a century, underscoring the enduring bonds forged in the crucible of conflict.
As the city prepares to gather in unity and reverence, Anzac Day serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of courage, sacrifice, and camaraderie that binds the nation together.
About ANZAC Day
Anzac Day holds a special place in the hearts of New Zealanders, serving as a poignant reminder of the nation’s resilience, sacrifice, and camaraderie. From the rugged shores of Gallipoli to the far-flung battlefields of World War II and beyond, New Zealanders have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their allies, confronting adversity with unwavering courage and determination. Anzac Day in New Zealand is not merely a day of remembrance; it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a nation forged in the crucible of war. It is a time for communities to come together, to honour the legacy of those who served, and to reaffirm their commitment to the values of freedom, democracy, and peace for which they fought so valiantly.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
