Anzac Day Commemorations

The Howick and Pakuranga Times 4-24-14

The cover of the weekly local newspaper, The Howick and Pakuranga Times was dedicated to past flyers and news headlines depicting WW1 and WW2 publicity.  This pretty much illustrates the importance of the Anzac Forces in NZ history.  The 'lest we forget' gardens and monuments are a tribute to the sacrifices made by this country in the wars. The newspaper gave information about where and when we could attend the commemorations of Anzac forces.

Walk up Stockade Hill

Although we passed on going out to march at sunrise (0530) we did attend a later remembrance. We walked up Stockade Hill to view the 11am commemoration of Anzac Day here in Howick.  There was a large cluster of locals gathered around the stage.  Interspersed along the walkway to the hill top were red poppies. There was a feeling of camaraderie, festivity, solemnity and goodwill amongst the onlookers.  We had decided to honor our parents who lived through WW2 making the best of a very bad situation in the Philippines, the Aleutians and mainland US.  Neither of us glorifies war but we appreciate what soldiers have done.

Crosses, some with names all with poppies

NZ, Australian and UK Flags

3 Harvards flying over

The spokesperson began the ceremony by asking all to rise and sing God Save the Queen. I was forced by my heritage to quietly hum My Country Tis of Thee, which, of course, has the same melody.  In retrospect My Country Tis of thee was written in 1831.  I do believe God Save the Queen/King has a longer heritage; 1744 is the original I believe.  We then listened to the brass band play a few other patriotic and religious songs and then meandered around getting a feeling for the people who were in attendance. 

5 Harvards

At various times a cluster of 3 and then 5 aircraft would fly by in formation.  I asked a local man what type of airplanes they were.  He said they were ‘havads’, “Harvards?” I asked.  “Yes, Havads, which were used as training aircraft in WW2.”  Known in the US as the T-6 Texan, it was originally built by North American Aviation. The RNZAF and other commonwealth military pilots used this aircraft for training, calling it a Harvard. They were impressive flying over with loud engines announcing their presence before they came into sight leaving contrails in their wake.

After about the 3^rd speech we decided to quietly leave the hill and head home.  It is always a very pleasant walk through the quiet neighborhoods.   We walked in our door two minutes before the skies opened up and we had a terrific deluge.

A quiet and interesting day, J