We will remember them.
We will remember the sacrifice they made. We will remember how they laid down their lives and had their families ripped apart so we could be free. We will remember them for the way they fought evil.
Today, Anzac Day, is among the most special of days in
the Western Bay.
This morning, thousands of people gathered at dawn services in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Waihi, Katikati, Te Puke and Maketu to mark the anniversary that honours all New Zealanders killed in war and those men and women who served and came home.
It is always a sobering day as people think of their own involvement, that of family members and of people who they don't even know.
Those who attend should be proud they have made the effort.
For those of us who have never known the horror of war, it is impossible to know exactly what the brave faced overseas and what went through their minds as they left loved ones behind and faced the enemy.
This special day has its origins from the landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers, known as the Anzacs, on Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915. It was a bloody campaign. Thousands, including 2721 New Zealanders, lost their lives.
Today, decades on from both world wars, it is worth taking some time to think about what would have happened if the Allied forces had lost and evil had triumphed.
The world would be a much different place. It's almost certain most of us would not be here.
The Bay of Plenty Times today has extensive coverage of the dawn services at Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Katikati in today's edition and of the 42 local men who lost their lives in World War II.
Tomorrow, we will have coverage of Te Puke's service.
On Saturday, in the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend, we had a five-page feature previewing the Anzac Day.
The coverage is deserved. Those who served deserve our utmost respect - and thanks.
We will remember them.
