Have your say: Remembrance

Lest we forget

I read R Douglas's letter that suggested remembering about all people who suffered through the wars on Anzac Day. We do tend to focus mainly on Gallipoli although we know that far more of the Anzac troops were killed and injured in the few weeks of the battle of Passchendaele than in the whole of the Gallipoli Campaign.

I think New Zealand has almost forgotten that the Commonwealth remembers the fallen allies and the suffering of so many people through the shocking events of the wars on November 11. It was chosen as a day to remember all who suffered in 1919 after the hostilities of the war ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

Apparently it used to be a well-observed day in New Zealand. Schools would lower their flags and have 2 minutes silence and the rest of the country would come to a stand still.

Many people have asked us why we wear poppies on November 11. It is sad our young generation seems unaware of this significant date. In my tiny street alone I know of residents who were interned by the Japanese or were evacuees or had family homes destroyed by bombing. Although the RSA hold a small ceremony on that date it still seems focused on NZ troops whereas many Commonwealth countries remember all the Commonwealth and others who suffered through wars including civilians.

My young grandson will be playing his part on this Anzac Day by playing the Last Post on his bagpipes in one of the local ceremonies.

He will proudly wear the medals of his great great grandfathers and uncles who were Anzac soldiers. I hope that he also remembers the suffering of his other side of the family where they were at war in France and Italy and my grandparents who were wiped out in the bombing of Liverpool and an uncle who was in the Merchant Navy when his ship was torpedoed.

I hope that we have a huge event on November 11 this year to remember all.

B McGunnigle
Regent
Whangarei

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