It became the Anzac Day we shall not easily forget. Three Air Force servicemen, one from Hawke's Bay, dead.
They were on their way by Iroquois helicopter from Ohakea to Wellington to take part in Anzac ceremonies when something went gravely wrong. The Air force is investigating the crash which occurred in
the early hours of yesterday morning.
Deceased are 33-year-old pilot Flight Lieutenant Hayden Peter Madsen, formerly of Napier, 28-year-old pilot Flying Officer Daniel Stephen Gregory and 24-year-old crewman Corporal Benjamin Andrew Carson.
A fourth man has been hospitalised as a result of the crash.
Their helicopter crashed near Pukerua Bay as it was on its way to take part in a flypast of the Wellington Cenotaph while in formation with two other Iroquois.
We who attended Dawn Services around the Hawke's Bay yesterday knew nothing of the tragedy at the time.
Had any of us heard the news before sunrise, it would have been a solemn affirmation of the message imparted as we gathered to remember - the price of freedom is seldom free.
These young men, taken far too early in their lives, had all been awarded medals for service in East Timor or Afghanistan. They had, like the soldiers of yesteryear who we gathered to salute on Anzac Day, served their country.
The ever-diminishing ranks of old soldiers who march in remembrance on Anzac Day mornings have always imparted a clear message - we remember our fallen comrades and we salute all who serve our country whether in conflicts of old or in service today.
That Anzac Day message has all the more significance as the Defence Force and the nation mourns the loss of three fine young men.
