Showers clear for ANZAC Service

Raglan Pipe Band tunes up outside the Fire Station before the ANZAC parade
Raglan Pipe Band tunes up outside the Fire Station before the ANZAC parade

The showers cleared on Thursday morning providing a sunny blue sky for Raglan’s ANZAC parade and service at 11am. Just as in 2012 a huge crowd lined Bow St to take part in the service.

The Parade formed in Wainui Road marching along Wainui Rd then round into Bow St. It was led by a large contingent from the Raglan Pipe Band. A red cross donkey followed along with two soldiers on horse and next came the veterans, the Army, Navy and Air force followed by the local services.

Raglan RSA Vice President, Colin Hodkinson, opened the service before handing over to the two ministers. Sean Ellison took the Maori parts of the service. The head boy and head girl from Raglan Area School gave the address. The wreath laying came next with many local groups laying memorials. Good clear sound this year courtesy of the Surfside Church.

The cadets then took the Last Post. Once again, Advance Australia Fair was sung  followed by God Defend New Zealand sung in Maori and then English. And finally the Parade marched off to the Raglan Club to a morning tea sponsored by the Raglan Community Board.

Guard of Honour in place at the Raglan Cenotaph
Guard of Honour in place at the Raglan Cenotaph

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