Thousands gather at dawn to honour Anzacs
As the ranks of Rotorua's returned servicemen attending the city's Anzac Day Dawn Parade thin, they are being replaced ten-fold by members of the public.
More than 2000 people made the 5.45am start yesterday morning to pay their respects to the country's war veterans - both living and dead - almost 100 years since the start of World War I.
Veterans were led into Muruika urupa (cemetery) at Ohinemutu by the City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band under the orders of parade marshall Walter McLean.
The service was led by Te Arawa Maori Returned Services League president Te Kei Merito with Reverend Tom Poata and Father Mark Field representing the clergy.
Guest speaker Warrant Officer First Class and Sergeant Major of the Army (retired), Henry Macown reminded people of the importance of the occasion one year out from the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.
"We have been waiting patiently for this year to commemorate this footprint in history.
"At this time all over New Zealand this theme will be echoed in the cities, the provincial towns, and small settlements as people like us will gather and pay silent tribute to the glorious dead.
"We grieve for those not amongst us anymore to share in our commemoration. We honour those who made the final sacrifice and those who returned safely.
"The significance of this year is absolute because not one of us here will witness the 200th year commemoration of World War I.
"April 25, 1914 was just another day in New Zealand. We weren't at war. It wasn't until a year later that April 25 became significant.
"And so we move through World War I and have become familiar with the names rich in memoriam of New Zealand military history - Gallipoli, Palestine, the Somme, Ypres, Jutland, Chunuk Bair and others too many to mention. These names are read in the epitaphs that are engraved in stone by men long gone - memorials in nearly every village and town in New Zealand."
Wreaths were laid on the cemetery's obelisk by veterans and dignitaries including mayor Steve Chadwick and MP Todd McClay along with Australian High Commission representative Squadron Leader Phillip Sixsmith.
In a touching tribute, those assembled gave veterans from World War II, Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam and others, a warm round of applause as they marched out of the cemetery at the conclusion of the service.