There was a large turnout to watch and take part in the ANZAC Day 101 year commemorative parade and service with a day of sun, cloud and the odd sprinkle in Raglan on Monday morning. The crowd lined Bow St to take part in the 11am service. 161 battery, the NZ Army unit 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 along with two riders on horses and next came the veterans, the Army, Navy and Air force followed by the local services, community groups and schools. MP For Taranaki King Country, Barbara Kuriger, took part in the parade.
Raglan RSA President, Saen O’Brien, opened the service welcoming MP Barbara Kuriger, Ward Councillor Clint Baddeley, RCB Chair Alan Vink and RCAC Chair Rodger Gallagher. Ministers Sean Ellison and Katheleen Gavin from the Anglican Church then took the service. Ella McLeod Edwards, Head Girl at Raglan Area School and Deputy Head Boy Ziggy Knuiman recalled family war service stories. The wreath laying came next with many local groups laying memorials.
Saen O’Brien 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 sponsored by the Raglan Community Board.
I’d love to get a copy of Ella McLeod Edward’s address. It was very powerful. thanks. Jill Kayser
It would be best to contact the Raglan Area School