While some Raglanites came prepared for rain, their preparations weren’t needed when the clouds cleared to let the sun through for the 2018 ANZAC Parade. There was a good turnout of returned and services people for the parade and big audience to watch and take part in the ANZAC Day commemorative parade and service. The crowd lined both sides of Bow St for the 11am service. Representatives of the armed services took part in the parade and then the service.
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 by the veterans, the Army, Navy and Air force followed by the local services, community groups and schools.
The Raglan RSA President opened the service. He welcomed Ward Councillor Lisa Thomson, RCB Chair Bob MacLeod, Raglan Museum President Ken Soanes, RaglanClub President Debbie Dalbeth and RCAC Chair Rodger Gallagher. Ministers Sean Ellison and Kathleen Gavin from the Anglican Church then took the service. Students from Raglan Areas School gave talks on what ANZAC Day meant to them. The wreath laying came next with each group being called in turn as many local groups and individuals laid memorials.
The army representatives 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.