Good Morning. Representatives of the NZ and Australian Governments, Members of Parliament, my Council colleagues, members of the Consular Corps, veterans, ex-servicemen and women, current and serving members of the New Zealand Defence Force, fellow citizens, friends – welcome to ANZAC Day Dawn Service.
Each year the numbers attending this service increase, and I am encouraged by the fact that from where I’m standing I see all ages, all generations. The ANZAC Spirit lives on, and lives within all of us, in our daily lives and not just on ANZAC day.
That is the spirit of community, comradeship, fellowship, family neighbour and nationhood.
All this was forged one hundred years ago on the battlefields of Europe, where our young men and women, lived, breathed, fought and died as one. The 4398 white crosses you see is a poignant and stark reminder of the sacrifices made by Canterbury in the Great War.
Forged in battle, the relationship between Australia and New Zealand endures. This was the war to end all ways they said, but that was not to be.
Today, this morning, in Cranmer Square let us remember all those who have served their country and all those men and women who serve today, and may we all, in their memory and in their honour, commit to a world of peace.
I would like to conclude by acknowledging two individuals who have been associated with this service for many decades. Mr. Paul O’Connor, our MC this morning, and Mr Pat Duggan, Parade Marshall, who are both stepping down from their roles. Paul and Pat, I would like to convey our city’s gratitude and appreciation for your service and support for our ANZAC Commemorations over the years. Thank you very much.
That is the spirit of community, comradeship, fellowship, family neighbour and nationhood.
All this was forged one hundred years ago on the battlefields of Europe, where our young men and women, lived, breathed, fought and died as one. The 4398 white crosses you see is a poignant and stark reminder of the sacrifices made by Canterbury in the Great War.
Forged in battle, the relationship between Australia and New Zealand endures. This was the war to end all ways they said, but that was not to be.
Today, this morning, in Cranmer Square let us remember all those who have served their country and all those men and women who serve today, and may we all, in their memory and in their honour, commit to a world of peace.
I would like to conclude by acknowledging two individuals who have been associated with this service for many decades. Mr. Paul O’Connor, our MC this morning, and Mr Pat Duggan, Parade Marshall, who are both stepping down from their roles. Paul and Pat, I would like to convey our city’s gratitude and appreciation for your service and support for our ANZAC Commemorations over the years. Thank you very much.