ANZAC Day Parade well attended

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 45, 1 May 1984, Page 2

ANZAC Day Parade well attended

ANZAC Day was commemorated in the Waimarino with dawn parades, RSA and civilian ceremonies and church services, the laying of wreaths and several informal functions involving former comrades-in-arms. In Ohakune about 50 members of the ship's companyof HMNZS Irirangi joined 21 RSA members in a parade and service which they shared with the Ohakune Volunteer Fire Brigade and young members of the local cub, brownie and guide groups in the area. Accompanied by the 14strong Waimarino Brass Band the' mixed contingent marched from the Ohakune Post Office to the Ohakune Memorial in warm autumn sunshine. There they were greeted by Ces Allerby, president of the Ohakune RSA, Bill Taylor, mayor of Ohakune, Father Neal Wilson, parish priest of Ohakune, the Rev Bob Peck, anglican minister from Raetihi and Lieutenant

Commander Ross Sanson, RNZN, commander of HMNZS Irirangi in Waiouru. In his welcoming speech mayor Bill Taylor said, "let us remember that Anzac Day has never glorified war or battle. It honours what is best in the human spirit ... we remember this day the sacrifice of the youth of our nation who paid the ultimate price. We pay tribute to all those who served on our behalf and who gave of themselves that we may enjoy a way of life and a society - that is preferable to most." Lieut Cmdr Ross Sanson also paid tribute to those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice 69 years ago saying

that "little did those men who landed on Gallipoli'in April 1915 realise that they would leave a legacy of courage, determination and nationhood which was to become a national day of mourning. They fought and died in the cause of -lasting peace and freedom, not just for their own generation but for generations to come." Wreaths were laid by the RSA, the women's division of the RSA, the Ohakune Borough Council, Ohakune Primary School, Ruapd^ College, local cub, brov^|^ and guide groups, HMNZS Irirangi, senior citizens and the Ohakune Garden Club. The service concluded with a solo cornet performance of the 'Last Post'.