Manawanui commander the guest speaker at the Cenotaph

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

How many Gallipolis do we need to suffer?

That is the poignant remark from Gisborne RSA president Trevor Jukes as he looks towards Anzac Day.

Mr Jukes invites the public to attend the Anzac Day combined dawn and civic Service at the Cenotaph, starting a 6am, or to attend one of the several services in the countryside.

“The Anzac Day services are an open ceremony for all to pay our respects for the men who have fallen while fighting for our freedom. My respects go to those men who came back from  Greece-Crete, the desert, Italy and the navy and air force.

“They had a terrible time in the navy and air force.

“We owe it to that generation.”

Commander Yvonne Gray, who commands the Royal New Zealand Navy’s dive, hydrographic and salvage vessel HMNZS Manawanui, is the guest speaker for tomorrow’s service at the Cenotaph.

The Yorkshire woman started her naval career with the Royal Navy in 1993.

She decided to move to New Zealand after touring the country in a campervan in 2012 and joined the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Manawanui is her first command.

Manawanui is Māori for steadfast or big heart.

Another city service, for Te Wiremu House and Tairāwhiti Vietnam Veterans Association, starts at Te Wiremu at 11am.

Other services are planned throughout the district, several along the East Coast, and Wairoa.