Mangaweka service commemorates fallen soldiers for Anzac Day

The dawn parade at Mangaweka

A substantial turnout of about 100 members of the Mangaweka community gathered for their annual Anzac Day dawn parade.

The commemoration began at 6am with a march down Broadway, Mangaweka's historic main street, under the firm guiding voice of Warrant Officer Class 1 John Sole, of the New Zealand Army.

The march was led from the front by ex-service personnel, RSA affiliates, members of the Mangaweka Volunteer Fire Service, local councillors and others, marching in tight formation.

Mangaweka school students Noah and Alex deliver their poems on war at the Anzac service.

On reaching the Memorial Gates outside the school on Raumaewa Rd, the marchers were commanded to halt, then set at ease, before gathering around for a welcome in te reo and English.

That was followed by a short speech by councillor Richard Aslett, one of the organisers of the event.

Afterwards there was the laying of wreaths from various organisations and individuals, ending with the Mangaweka School's wreath being laid by students Noah and Alex, who then delivered individual poems with a sombre war theme to the crowd.

There was a speech from local Bunny Goringe, who talked of lost relatives whose names were etched on the remembrance gates behind him.

Alison Dorrian of Mangaweka Heritage delivered some moving words on the futility of war before Warrant Officer Sole gave a serving soldier's view of the Anzac commemorations.

Prayers were conducted by pastor and chaplain Kerrie Fallen before the playing of The Last Post with a minute's silence at the end.

The main parade was rounded off with the Anzac Ode delivered by Aslett:

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

A cooked breakfast for those attending was provided at the fire station afterwards, and talk over hot cups of tea and coffee ended the morning's Anzac commemorations.