Maori TV does it best on Anzac Day

But what are their stories unless we keep retelling them? Nothing but the past; not even a memory unless we pass the stories on.

"LEST we forget" is about remembering the sacrifice of war for the future.

Maybe it's also to remember what war does.

As a child at school in the 60s we never really heard many of the stories about war because the generation before us lost so much and it was painful for them to remember. Far too raw to share.

We always knew our poppa Charles Henry Crease had died at war but it was never talked about. But every year we were dragged along to the Auckland War Memorial Museum to see who could find his name etched on the memory wall for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice with their life. That was the limit of our Anzac education for some of us. Today I know who my poppa was and how he died.

Thankfully too our children and grandchildren recall the sacrifice made for them by attending Anzac Day commemorations and walks, proudly wearing medals of honour belonging to loved ones who have now passed by; who gallantly fought for freedom.

But what are their stories unless we keep retelling them? Nothing but the past; not even a memory unless we pass the stories on.

Year after year national television lets down viewers on this day when we should be hearing these stories lest we do forget. Admittedly throughout the week there was the odd programme. But what about on the most important day? Comedy seemed more appropriate for those who decided on what to air.

Once again Maori Television did what Maori do best though; dedicating the day's broadcasts to sharing the stories of victory and failure.

It was an eye opener watching Dam Busters for the first time and what an education listening to tales of sacrifice, survival and overwhelming grief and loss.

Every year I learn something new by watching this channel.

It's about time mainstream television put aside revenue gathering and dedicated one day to something vital to us remembering.

Let's get it right or maybe in the future we will be hearing "how did we ever forget?"