A very large number of Raglanites lined Bow Street for the annual ANZAC Day parade at 11am on 25th April 2024. Although the sun stayed away it didn’t stop people taking part. There was a big contingent of returned and services people for the parade. The armed services representation included a 40 strong contingent from the infantry, plus the other armed services including 161 Battery.
The Parade formed in Wainui Road marching along Wainui Rd then round into Bow St. It was led by the Raglan Highland Pipe Band. Then came a Red Cross donkey followed by the veterans, the Army, Navy and Air force followed by the local services, community groups and schools.
Saen O’Brien Raglan RSA President, opened the service. He welcomed Ward Councillor Lisa Thomson, RCB Chair Dennis Amoore, Raglan Club President Debbie Dalbeth, Raglan Community House Chair Leslie Thornley and Raglan Community Arts Chair Rodger Gallagher. Kaumatua Sean Ellison and Anglican Minister Kathleen Gavin then took the service. The 161 Battery Commander gave a speech on the importance of ANZAC Day. The Head Girl and Head Boy from Raglan Area School gave a talk on what ANZAC Day meant to them. The wreath laying came next with Saen O’Brien calling each group to come up four at a time in turn to lay their memorials.
The service was concluded by singing the Australian and New Zealand national anthems. The parade marched off to the Raglan Club for lunch.
