Letters: Living in a turbulent world

Rotorua Anzac Day civic service. Photo/Ben Fraser

I agree with Katie Holland (OpinionApril 25). Anzac Day commemorates Kiwis who served and died in all wars. We have our identity and enjoy our freedom on the basis of their sacrifice. It is now to think of the future.

I came from South Korea two decades ago. My homeland was like a candle flickering in the wind during the Korean War in the early 1950s. New Zealanders came to the peninsular to fight for freedom. I am thankful and Anzac Day is also meaningful to me.

But we are living in a turbulent world now. Atrocities, violence and friction are still everywhere, contrary to fallen heroes' wishes. North Korea threatens a nuclear war and the world would get easily caught into a fight again. Other regions and societies are not any different.

The roles of media and education have become more important. The internet is unprecedented in human history. It is powerful and all connected. I keep my fingers crossed.

ANDY MYUNGSOO LEE
Rotorua

Happy Anzac Poppy sellers

Friday afternoon would have to be one of the most enjoyable days my friend Dorothy and I have had - selling Anzac poppies.

Thank you to Mitre 10 Mega, for allowing us to be inside; I'm sure it was the warm and friendly ambiance in your store which encouraged your customers to be so generous with their donations. Most of the people seemed so happy and we shared more than a few laughs as I pinned poppies to their garments; not one complaint about being pricked!

To those people who said they had change in their cars as they walked passed, and then came back inside with their donations - you helped make our day. In remembrance of our World War I and World War II service men and women - we thank you all.

PAULEEN WILKINSON
Rotorua