Although the light drizzle seemed to keep a few people away, there was still a crowd fo about 700 people at Raglan’s ANZAC Service this morning. The Parade formed at the corner of Bow Street and Wainui Road at 11.00am and was led by the Te Awamutu Pipe Band, followed by two riders on horseback and a red cross donkey. Next came the veterans, the services and the Navy followed by local services. This year members of 161 Battery had been granted leave over Easter so there was no salute.
Raglan RSA President, Andy Millar opened the service before handing over to Sean Ellison and Rhonda Chung. The head boy and head girl from Raglan Area School gave a very well prepared and heart touching address. The hymn was ‘Au, E Ihi’ (28 Maori Battalion Hymn) led by Sean and his choir. The wreath laying came next with many local groups laying memorials.
After the cadets had taken the Last Post, the National Anthem was sung in Maori and then in English. And finally the Parade marched off to the Raglan Club for refreshments and a sausage sizzle for children.
What a wonderful flavoursome Easter and Anzac weekend in Raglan we had. We loved the multiculturalism, fush and chups, feijoas, Whangaro, Anglican Church fellowship, black sand, windmills and endless childhood stories. Raglan is on my pin board at work and I am planning another visit to Raglan as soon as possible!!!
Aussie Sis
While always an important chance to remember past sacrifices, the RSA are improving the ANZAC service in Raglan each year and interest in it is very high – certainly having Sean Ellison taking part of the service and having Sean’s angels singing has given it more of a multicultural feel.