Although showers were predicted in Raglan for ANZAC Day 2021, they stayed away and the sun peeped out. After standing at dawn for the 2020 ANZAC Day, Raglanites were back in full force on Bow Street for 2021 for the parade and service. There was a good contingent of returned and services people for the parade and a very big audience lined Bow Street to watch and take part in the ANZAC Day commemorative parade and 11am service. Representatives of the armed services took part in the parade and the service. Due to being deployed on Covid-19 managed isolation duties, the 161 Battery was only able to send two representatives.
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.
take the service with O’Brien Raglan RSA President to the right.
Image – Richard Gallagher
Saen O’Brien Raglan RSA President, opened the service. He welcomed Ward Councillor Lisa Thomson, RCB Member Bob MacLeod, Raglan Museum President Ken Soanes, Raglan Club President Debbie Dalbeth and RCAC Chair Rodger Gallagher. Kaumatua Sean Ellison and Anglican Minister Kathleen Gavin then took the service. The Head Girl from Raglan Area School gave a talk on what ANZAC Day meant to her. The wreath laying came next with Saen O’Brien 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 for refreshments.
Photos of Raglan ANZAC DAY 2021 by Richard Gallagher
