Kaipara has not forgotten those who fell for freedom and country - hundreds turned out to honour their supreme sacrifices at each of the Anzac Day services held throughout the district.
Dawn services, the most poignant of the Anzac Day observances timed to coincide with the initial and fateful landings at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, were held at Dargaville's Mt Wesley RSA cemetery and the RSA Lawn cemetery at Maungaturoto.
Many of those gathered have never known the personal tragedy of war, yet as the wreath was laid, the last post and reveille sounded and voices rose in quiet hymn in the eerie stillness of the approaching dawn, many were visibly moved.
After almost 100 years, Anzac remains an emotional reminder not only of the casualty of all wars, but of endurance, human courage and the bonds of friendship.
Other services and parades were held at Hakaru and Ruawai and a combined Matakohe/Paparoa Service at The Kauri Museum, Matakohe.
Dargaville also held a civil service in the War Memorial Hall. Conducted by Councillor Andrew Wade, the benediction was given by pastor Brian McEwing and guest speakers were two members of the 57 squadron of the Air Training Cadets, Crystal McEwing and Hayleigh Ward-White.
Mr Wade spoke of the origin of the embroidered Memorial Flag which is displayed in the foyer of the hall. The names of the soldiers were embroidered by a Miss Kingsley during WWII as a fundraiser for the Women Patriotic Fund to send Red Cross parcels to New Zealand soldiers the front lines.
Miss Kingsley, a local hairdresser, was a German Jew who as a child had arrived with her parents in New Zealand at the end of WWI.