On the coldest day so far in 2023, the sun tried to shone on Bow Street, Raglan for ANZAC Day 25th April 2023. The sun warmed people occasionally on a cold day with the temperature starting in early morning at just 4 degrees. Even so there was a turnout a few hundred Raglanites on Bow Street for the 2023 parade and service.. There was a good contingent of returned and services people as well descendants for the parade which was followed by the 11am ANZAC Day service. Representatives of the armed services including 161 Battery, took part in the parade and 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. Then came a Red Cross donkey followed by the veterans, the Army, Navy and Air force followed by the local services, community groups and schools.
Saen O’Brien Raglan RSA President, opened the service. He welcomed Ward Councillor Lisa Thomson, RCB Chair Dennis Amoore, Raglan Club President Debbie Dalbeth and Raglan Community Arts Chair Rodger Gallagher. Kaumatua Sean Ellison and Anglican Minister Kathleen Gavin then took the service. The 161 Battery Commander gave a speech on the importance of ANZAC Day. The Head Girl and Head Boy from Raglan Area School gave a talk on what ANZAC Day meant to them. The wreath laying came next with Saen O’Brien calling each group to come up four at a time in turn to lay their memorials.
The service was concluded by singing the Australian and New Zealand national anthems. The parade marched off to the Raglan Club for lunch.
