Solemnity of Anzac Day not lost on our youth

Wairarapa white crosses 5marked with the name of a home-town soldier killed in WWI, were created by Henley Men's Shed, as part of the Field of Remembrance Trust's project throughout New Zealand.

WE ALL knew the white crosses services were coming up, but it is hard to appreciate how powerful it is to witness an expanse of white crosses until you see it.

Wairarapa white crosses, each marked with the name of a home-town soldier who served in WWI, were created by Henley Men's Shed, as part of the Field of Remembrance Trust's project throughout New Zealand.

Possibly the largest "field" is immediately outside my door, in Masterton's town square. Already I've had someone come to our counter, asking for the field to be photographed from several angles, so it can be captured for history.

I recommend people come down and see it for themselves, it really is quite a sombre sight. Carterton placed theirs yesterday in Memorial Square, and will have a service today at 12.30pm. Greytown, I understand, will do theirs on Anzac Day.

I attended Featherston's Fields of Remembrance services - again, just outside my door - as I live near the War Memorial. Four schools were involved, three of them primary. What struck me was the seriousness of the children, clearly picking up on the mood of the service.

Even my normally exuberant niece had a face so grim you would have thought she was in pain. I asked her mum later if she had been "told" to be serious, but found out that was entirely all her - and the same with the rest of the youngsters.

However, she was very proud to be carrying out "her" cross, complete with the name of a soldier, and wanted to be photographed beside it afterwards.

I have had people remark that while most of us are connected to ancestors who served in WWI, not everyone has a connection to an Anzac soldier. For many of us, our ancestry is English, and not that far back. Perhaps this Anzac Day has made much greater emphasis and detail on those young men who departed our shores for Turkey, but it still provides a chance for everyone to reflect. At least, it certainly has done so for me, even with an English grandfather.

It is my chance to remember. But that may be why Armistice Day is growing in popularity, and I suspect November 11, 2018, will also be a day well noted for all of us.