Paeroa dawn service swift, simple and sobering

By ELIZABETH BINNING

It was all over in less than 15 minutes, but the brief dawn service in the heart of Paeroa was no less moving than those in main cities.

Dressed in jackets and scarves, and armed with umbrellas to combat the slight drizzle, about 150 people made their way to the top of Primrose Hill, some by car and some on foot.

Many of the returned servicemen arrived in buses; some with walking sticks, others with mobility scooters.

The soldiers made up about a quarter of the crowd and as the RSA wreath was laid at the cenotaph, they stood tall and proud, displaying their medals and ribbons.

For those who did not serve, like Tina and Nathan Paki and their 12-year-old niece Sarsha Waite, the 6am ceremony was just as moving. They huddled together as a bugle sounded The Last Post.

"More people should get up and enjoy it," said Mrs Paki. "It's really humbling and sobering to come up here."

After the wreath was laid, Father Terry Ellis reminded the crowd about the importance of remembrance for those who served and died and for those who served and survived.

He also spoke about the state of New Zealand's defence force.

"I'm concerned that these things we have fought for are being eroded away," he said.

Back at the RSA, where soldiers and relatives enjoyed a hearty breakfast, club president Joe Mathieson said returned servicemen and women agreed with the comments of Father Ellis. More money should be used to bolster the defence force.

Mr Mathieson said it was great to see so many people, especially young people, at the service. After breakfast the community participated in the civic parade.

Small communities in other parts of the Waikato acknowledged Anzac Day in their own way. In Te Awamutu, staff at the local museum dressed in 1940s costumes and served wartime specialties such as mock duck and carrot fudge.

Feature: Anzac Day

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Harold Paton's pictures of WW II