Cadets and uniformed youth groups were among the marchers at the Anzac Day service at Tauranga Domain.
Cadets and uniformed youth groups were among the marchers at the Anzac Day service at Tauranga Domain.
A "significant moment in our history" was witnessed by about 7000 at the Anzac Day Civic Memorial Service at Tauranga Domain on Saturday.
The grandstand and surrounding areas were packed with people of all ages for the first joint Tauranga and Mount Maunganui civic service, marking the centenary of theGallipoli landings.
Bagpipers accompany flags.
The crowd applauded as veterans, returned servicemen and women, current servicepeople, emergency services, cadets and youth groups marched around the athletic track.
Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby welcomed the crowds to "a significant moment in our history" and spoke of the heroism, tenacity and courage of World War I soldiers and all who have served in wars and campaigns since.
"We are not here to glorify war, but to remember those who served our country," he said.
Lieutenant Commander Evan Dines of the Royal New Zealand Navy spoke about how on this day 100 years ago New Zealand and Australian soldiers went into their first major joint military action. "In 1915 we were a young nation at the outer edge of the British Empire at a time when the world revolved around London. It was widely accepted that volunteers were answering the call of king and country in its time of need."
Mr Dines said 10 per cent of New Zealand's population at the time served in World War I and many who lived and returned home carried physical and mental scars. "We come together on Anzac Day not only to commemorate those who lost their lives at land, sea or air during World War I, but also to acknowledge those who have gone after them in service for their country."
Local George Hicks spoke about his grandfather, George Te Kati Gardiner, who lost his life in World War II. "We never got the opportunity to know him, the influence he may have had upon us, experience the love given by a grandfather or learn from him." His grandfather had served in both world wars, lying about his age to enlist in the first and enlisting in Australia in the second when New Zealand told him he was too old. He was a highly decorated soldier and was awarded the Victory Medal among other medals.
"It would have been a privilege to know him. He is forever in our thoughts and hearts. Rest in peace, grandfather."
After the laying of wreaths, the Ode to the Fallen was read in Maori and English, then The Last Post was played, after which three Harvard bombers flew over the domain with impeccable timing. Mount Maunganui's college had students read the Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Ode, then Mr Crosby presented representatives of the Mount Maunganui and Tauranga RSAs with commemorative plaques. The crowd joined in for the Australian and New Zealand national anthems - MC and Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout joking a copy of the tape should be sent to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
