Eight months into the First World War, on the 25th of April 1915 Allied soldiers landed on the shores of Gallipoli. These forces included soldiers from New Zealand and Australia who were fighting as part of ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps). The Gallipoli campaign was very costly and both New Zealand and Australia suffered huge loss of life. ANZAC Day commemorates the first day of conflict, it does not mark a military triumph but it marks a very important event in our countries history. ANZAC Day remembers the bravery, courage and spirit of all those who fought and those who died in the name of the country and the British Empire.
ANZAC Day 2007 marked the 92nd Anniversary of New Zealand and Australian Troops landing in Gallipoli. I along with many others around New Zealand took part in honouring those involved in the Gallipoli Campaign and the various military operations and campaigns here and abroad in the years following.
One of the most important days of the year for us as the Air Training Corps is ANZAC Day. My day started with the Paraparaumu Dawn Service, I along with a large group from No. 49 (District of Kapiti) Squadron, Air Training Corps fell in at the Hospital Gates down Tutanekai Street. The Dawn Service was a sombre affair with very little fanfare. It saw a huge turn out of veterans, their families and the general public. It was great to see so many people turn out to honour the day. The speeches were poignant, short and to the point. I think we were all thankful for the mildness of the weather for the Dawn Parade, the first in my time of attending them that I didn’t have to wear my thermals under my uniform.
Following the Dawn Parade a group of us went for breakfast at the RSA. This was a good time to catch up with family and friends who attended the service and also to have a chat to some of the veterans. It really is amazing and an honour to hear their stories. It makes you truly appreciate so much more the courage, resourcefulness and bravery of those in battle.
A reasonable number of cadets left soon after the Dawn Parade to head up to Paekakariki for the Paekakariki Civic Parade. To commemorate and represent the unit up there.
Next was the Paraparaumu Civic Parade where I had the privilege of being a flag bearer, representing the RNZN by bearing their ensign. The Civic Parade had a lot more to it than the Dawn Parade; there were more speeches, songs and readings. There was also the laying of the Wreaths in which our unit was also involved along with the Scouts, Girl Guides, the local Colleges and other Defence and Civilian organisations from the area.
The final Service I was involved in for the day was the Waikanae Civic Parade. Here I was part of the Standard Party who had to march alongside the Under Officer who was bearing the RNZAF ensign. We had to march inside the hall to present the flag to a representative of the RSA. It was an interesting experience as I had not been part of the Standard Party before. It was also my first time at doing an ‘About Fixed Pivot Turn’. For the Waikanae Service I was also asked to do a reading from St John Gospel, I was really honoured to be asked to do this. The march to the front of the hall when my name was called out was the longest walk of my life. I was incredibly nervous, however despite my worries I read the piece without any serious complications.
Unfortunately I was unable to be present at the Retreat Party Service at the Otaki Cemetery however a large number of cadets were there to retrieve the flag and pass on to a veteran soldier.
I feel it as important as part of the Air Training Corps and a New Zealander to have involvement on ANZAC Days. Overall 49 Squadron were present at five Services around the area. Its gives a great sense of pride to represent the unit and honour those who have fought and those who have died for our country.
Hannah MacKay
Cadet Corporal
No49 (District of Kapiti) Squadron
Air Training Corps
