In Kihikihi, there was an Anzac service held at 9am. Peter noted that the event at Kihikihi is starting to grow, and around 100 people attended the service.
Whanau and friends catch up following the Kihikihi Anzac Service. Photo / Dean Taylor
Te Awamutu RSA core value co-ordinator and Waipā district councillor Lou Brown says, “It was notable that we had a lot of the younger generation come along and [show their] support across all of the parades in the region.”
Te Awamutu Anzac Day Civic Service wreath laying. Photo / Dean Taylor
He adds that we are living in troubled times, and the relevance of these services is becoming more apparent.
“We are a little country of around five million people, and the cost of the confrontations was horrendous - particularly World War I and II. Even some of the other operations.”
Service personnel at the Te Awamutu Anzac Day Civic Service. Photo / Dean Taylor
Lou adds that a way to fully visualise the impact the wars had on the community was for people is to look at the various crosses on the Anzac Green - the civic crosses that are placed on the green are those who didn’t return, and the ones that are classed ‘adopt a cross’ represent soldiers who did come back but served.
Te Awamutu College head student Stella Quigley was one of the presenters at the Dawn Service and Civic Service. Photo / Dean Taylor
“It gives you an idea - when you look at World War I and think of the population of approximately 6000 in Te Awamutu and the surrounding areas - there was a huge cost. Virtually every family would have either known [someone who did not return] or had a member not come back,” says Lou.
Waipa Mayor Susan O'Regan addressing the Anzac day crowd. Photo / Dean Taylor
“In war, no one wins. Even the winners lose,” adds Lou.
The Te Awamutu RSA is also looking to connect to younger veterans.
“It is something I am very passionate about,” says Peter.
Te Awamutu Anzac Day Civic Service wreath laying. Photo / Dean Taylor
The RSA has a duality of roles and stays strong in its ethos of caring for those who have served and remembering those who have fallen. They are a Returned and Services’ Association, which means they are there for veterans of all types.
Big crowd attended the Te Awamutu Anzac Day Civic Service. Photo / Dean Taylor
There are associate members - however, they join because they are wanting to be involved in the ethos.
Te Awamutu Anzac Day Civic Service. Photo / Dean Taylor
“We had a group get-together at the Te Awamutu Community Cadet Unit on Saturday morning, and we all had a lot of fun with a fitness challenge and a barbecue. Some that attended were just out of service or still serving,” says Lou. “We have got to connect with the younger generation of service people to aid those with the transition out of the service lifestyle and [to] adjust.”
Veterans RFL activity held last Saturday. Photo / Supplied
Peter adds that the community is outstanding and the support shown towards these events makes it all worthwhile.
Big crowd attended the Te Awamutu Anzac Day Civic Service. Photo / Dean Taylor
