Anzac Day is commemorated by Australia and New Zealand on 25th of April every year to honour members of the Austrailian New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The soldiers were known as Anzacs. The pride they took in that name endures to this day, and Anzac Day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand.
For me Anzac Day started 5 am. It was supposed to be 430 am but we slept through the alarm. We were going to the Dawn Parade. The parade and ceremony was in near by Browns Bay. The parade started at 545 and then the ceremony at 6. It was done at a Monument that was right near the beach that pays homage to the Anzacs. Anzac Day is to New Zealanders like Memorial Day is to Americans. It is to pay tribute to those that fought for the freedom that we have today. Throughout the day they are ceremonies done in every town. They are also done at different times so you could attend more than one. We were attending two. One in Browns Bay, Dawn Service and the other in Silverdale 1100 am Service.
The morning was cold and the roads were dark. We stood on the side of the road in the middle of town. Off in the distance we can hear the sounds of beating drums. As it got closer we could hear the bagpipes blasting with the beating drums. The parade marched through the center of town. As the last people passed the spectators jumped onto the end of the parade. We were marching down to the Browns Bay Anzac Memorial. It was not a far walk, as we arrived there we thousands of people waitning for the ceremony to commence.
The ceremony started as the bagpipes and the drum sounds ended. There was a call to worship and a lead in hymn by Reverend Grosse. The hymn was Abide With Me, the bands horns sounded and the hymn was sung. Then the ANZAC Dedication that was lead by Mike Murphy, President of the Takapuna RSA. Then the crowd was addressed by Reverend Pauline Law. She gave a heart warming speech that brought tears to peoples eyes. After the address there was the presentation of the wreaths while the NZ National Anthem was sung and played. The Last Post and the Ode followed and quickly after that the Reveille was sounded. The sun was slowly rising over the beach horizon. Then the benediction and the closure to the ceremony. The parade lined up the drums sounded. Forward march they went right back to where it started.
After the March the family gathered, and went off to brunch. It was still only 645am but we were hungry.
After the March the family gathered, and went off to brunch. It was still only 645am but we were hungry.
We had to kill time so we sat and relaxed at the brunch. We still had lots of time to kill so we decided to go to the local park and do the flying foxes.
Flying Foxes? Well I will explain, it is quit simple. Its a zipline with a seat. Here is a picture to show what I mean. You climb to the top and zip yourself off. Simple as that, easy as 1, 2, 3...
We foxed for two hours and then it was time to go off to the Silverdale ceremony. Into the cars and up the road we went.
We arrved at the Silverdal ceremony to thousands of people, what a tribute to the Anzacs. The ceremony was similar to that of this morning. There was no parade just the Veterans in line. We started with the secondary NZ National Anthem and then went straight into Onward Christian Soldiers Hymn. After the singing there was a prayer then an address from Murray Harford. Then the Last Post, Ode and Reveille. The laying of the wreaths was accumpanied by the Austrailian and NZ National Anthems. As the sons were sung, planes flew over head, Seven in all, all planes used to fight the war.
After the show there was a closing pray then the Veterans were dismissed and this concluded our day.All in all it was a good experience. It was nice to see how NZ honors(honours) the Veterans that fought in the Wars. It was a big gathering and all were respectful. The only difficult part of the day was the singing of the National Anthems. You ever have that feeling that everyone is looking at you and your singled out. Well thats how I felt. Not knowing the words and whether or not to salute, I stood there in silence just listening to them sing. Turns out ther is no salute, you dont remove your cap and you are not mandated to sing. Thats a great relief, but it was too late already had felt like the odd one out.
Keep checking the blog as there is more to this day. Its only 1130 and I am half way done. Part II is soon to follow so keep your eyes peeled. I will leave you with the words to the NZ National Anthem for those that are interested. Here they are no further ado...
God of Nations at thy feet
In the bonds of love we meet;
Hear our voices we entreat;
God defend our free land;
Guard Pacific’s triple star;
From the shafts of strife and war;
Make her praises heard afar
God defend New Zealand.
For the History of the Anthem check out the link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_Defend_New_Zealand
