Youths miss ANZAC

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 483, 27 April 1993, Page 1

Youths miss ANZAC

Anzac Day features highly on the Ruapehu calendar, with the Army's training camp at Waiouru and the Navy's base at Irirangi, and this year was no exception. Soldiers and civilians of Waiouru gathered Sunday morning in sub-zero temperatures at the Army Training Group Headquarters on the 78 th Anniversary of Gallipoli. Services were also conducted at a Raetihi dawn parade, a civic service at Ohakune at 9.30am and at the Queen Elizabeth II Army Memorial Museum at Ilam. Ruapehu College Head Girl, Leanne Ellis-Ruru, spoke for the Returned Serviceman's Association (RSA) at the Waiouru service. She addressed the question "what does ANZAC mean to the youth of today?" She found that only a third of teenagers had attended ANZAC Day services. Leanne expressed her fear that the tradition and meaning of ANZAC could be lost in time. She entreated those present to make sure this did not happen. Colonel Roger Mortlock, Commander for the Army Training Group, also spoke about the passage of time dimming memories. He reminded people that 7000 of the 8500 troops sent to Gallipoli were wounded or killed and that Gallipoli was a defeat for our nation. Colonel Mortlock placed the blame for this defeat on the lack of preparation for the soldiers. "The best of the soldiers, the ones that had the most training, left New Zealand after eight and a half weeks' training," he said. As the memory dims the lesson also dims but it was a hard lesson. They died

because the country was preoccupied with issues other than defence he said. "Prosperity can only belong to the Free. Freedom is the domain of those who have the courage to fight for it." He said it was the paradox of military life that to sustain the freedom of others a soldier gives up those freedoms that are usual in our society. Wreaths were laid by individuals, the RSA and the units based at Waiouru Military Camp. Ohakune HMNZS Irirangi personnel marched for the last time at an Ohakune civic Anzac Day service as the 'ship' is to become demanned at the end of next month. Ruapehu mayor Garrick Workman said in his address that the people honoured on ANZAC day fought to protect freedom, justice and a lifestyle that is now under threat from within New Zealand 's society. He said people must speak out to stop the trends that are threatening New Zealand' s lifestyle. Museum Service Children outnumbered adults two to one at the Queen Elizabeth II Army Memorial Museum's ANZAC service. The presence of girls from Waiouru's guide, brownie and pippin groups added weight to the Director's assertion that monuments to commemorated deeds of valour need not all be chilling, foreboding and cast in stone. "The New Zealand Army Museum is the keeper of our Army's heritage and is accessible to all New Zealanders and overseas visitors," said Major Peter Pitts, Director Turn to page 2

New Zealand's war dead honoured

From page 1 for the museum. "ANZAC Day is a time to remember the cost of war and the effect it has had on all lives," he said "While we stand here, well-clothed and fed, people are dying and families are being ripped apart by

wars in various countries throughout the world." "New Zealand soldiers are involved throughout the world in United Nations peace-keeping duties. They carry out their tasks with honour and distinction. It is well to remember that our mothers, fathers and

grandparents also went to war to secure the way of life we currently enjoy." Tapestries unveiled The service included the uhveiling of two tapestries, presented to the museum by the Gisborne, Wairoa and Hawkes Bay Embroidery Guilds. "We Will Remember

Them" and "Their Name Liveth" are colourful 80cm by 160cm panels that will hang in the museum's memorial alcove. Major Pitts explained the symbols used in the designs and paid tribute to the women who created them. "I thank you for your dedication and the time put into these tapestries and the

privilege of allowing us to hang them in this Museum. They will always have a

place of honour," he said. Wreaths were laid by the Returned Serviceman's

Association, the Army Museum and the Waiouru Brownies.