While thousands are expected to pay tribute to New Zealand's fallen soldiers as part of Anzac Day commemorations today, a Mount Maunganui man yesterday performed the Last Post to those unable to attend.
Peter Cranson, 69, has played the Last Post for more than 50 years and has become a regular fixture of the Mount Maunganui Anzac Day dawn service. Yesterday,he performed for those residents at Tauranga and Te Puke rest homes who could not be present at today's services.
"I feel it's an honour to do it," Mr Cranson said.
At Althorp Village and hospital, the flag was lowered as residents paid their respects.
The service was particularly poignant for Mr Cranson as he recognised one of the residents as a man he had played with when he first joined the Tauranga City Brass Band years ago.
"Tears were flowing down his face," hesaid.
Mr Cranson held the man's hand through much of the service.
"Words can't express the honour I feel, especially when you know that people are touched by it.
"I played You Lift Me Up, that was quite emotional."
Mr Cranson said he was not meant to be in Tauranga yesterday, because the Tauranga City Brass Band was in Wellington. But he did not join them "because I wouldn't have been able to do this".
"Playing the Last Post . . . it's just one man doing it but it's very important."
Mr Cranson has been playing at Anzac services in the area since he and wife Barbara moved to Tauranga in 2000. Before then he played in Hamilton and Palmerston North.
View Mr Cranson's Last Post filmed before yesterday's visit below.