A bright sunny Raglan day was just right for 2017 ANZAC Parade with a good turnout to watch and take part in the ANZAC Day commemorative parade and service. The crowd lined Bow St to take part in the 11am service. 161 battery, the NZ Army unit adopted by Raglan during the Vietnam War and with Freedom of the City of Raglan was in town for ANZAC Day.
The Parade formed in Wainui Road marching along Wainui Rd then round into Bow St. It was led by the Raglan Highland Pipe Band. A Red Cross donkey followed b the veterans, the Army, Navy and Air force followed by the local services, community groups and schools.
Acting Raglan RSA President, Colin Hodkinson, opened the service. First he thanked Waikato District Council for replacing the memorial tablets on the cenotaph with new granite and clear white lettering. Next he welcomed Ward Councillor Lisa Thomson, RCB Chair Bob MacLeod and RCAC Chair Rodger Gallagher. Ministers Sean Ellison and Kathleen Gavin from the Anglican Church then took the service. Lexi Holmes, Head Girl at Raglan Area School and Head Boy Liam Dingle recalled family war service stories. The wreath laying came next with RSA Deputy Roy Burke calling in turn, the many local groups and individuals laying memorials.
Roy Burke and members of 161 battery then took the Last Post. The tradition of singing both Advance Australia Fair and God Defend New Zealand in Maori and then English was continued. And finally the Parade marched off to the Raglan Club to a morning tea.