Hawke's Bay crowds remember the Anzacs

Going by the crowds which turned out for this morning's Anzac Day dawn services in Napier and Hastings it was clear the final line of the traditional ode has taken hold of all ages — "we will remember them".

"It is just marvellous" was how Napier RSA president John Purcell put it after the Napier service at the Sound Shell, which took place under clear skies and a brilliant glowing dawn.

"It is such a special time for so many people, and it was great to especially see the young, and particularly so many teenagers, turning out."

The Sound Shell grass and colonnade arena was packed and the crowd of several thousand also spilled across the nearby roads.

The sun begins to rise at this morning's service

Thousands also packed the Civic Square cenotaph in Hastings for the Dawn Service staged there and large numbers were reported at services in Wairoa and Waipukurau.

Young people were very much part of the crowds as well as the services.

Students from Iona College, Sacred Heart College and Napier Boys' High School featured at the Napier Dawn Service, with Boys' High head prefect Connor Molloy stepping forward as guest speaker.

Hundreds turned out in the crisp dawn

He told the story of an old boy who served and survived the Great War only to die a year later back home — one of the around 9000 victims of the influenza epidemic which swept the land.

His speech drew gasps and some tears.

Mr Purcell, in his service introduction summed it up simply and sincerely as be paid tribute to the veterans of all combats. "A grateful country thanks you."

He told of how the events of Gallipoli gave the country a sense of pride, spirit and tradition.

For Napier couple Crystal and Daniel Bot it was another early start for them and their youngsters Lachlan and Indiana.

Lachlan has turned seven and has been coming to the Dawn Service with mum and dad since he was just one.

Crystal said it was a family day and like most families there was military history in theirs.
"So special to see it growing," he husband said.
"We will always come to this."

The Sound Shell was the backdrop to this morning's ceremony