We were in Blenheim (pronounced Blenem) for ANZAC Day, so decided to attend the ANZAC ceremony there.
The ceremony was normally held at the town War Memorial Clock Tower in Seymour Square, just opposite our hotel.
However, since an earthquake last December, the 16 metre structure was considered to be an earthquake risk and cordoned off.
This year, the ANZAC ceremony was held in the quadrangle of the local school.
Everyone took up their positions around the edges of the quadrangle under the autumn trees, and the parade came in and did a circuit of the quadrangle.
The local pipe band led the parade. Every ANZAC Day, I renew my commitment to learn the bagpipes. Will this be the year? I know Pat can’t wait.
From my vantage point under this beautiful tree, I had a great view.
There was also the local brass band.
They had to do a bit of a tight turn.
Woodbourne, 8km west of Blenheim, is the NZ’s only Air Force base, so there was a very smart contingent from there.
A very well-behaved police dog also had a special place in the parade. The quadrangle was quite full by the time the bands, service personnel, youth groups, air force, police and general public were all assembled.
The service was very sincere and very moving. A young girl from the local high school beautifully led the singing of both God Defend New Zealand and Advance Australia Fair, which I thought was wonderful. I can’t recall ever having heard the NZ national anthem sung at any of the many Australian ANZAC services I have attended. God Save the Queen was also sung. I can’t remember when I last heard that sung in Australia.
Another student read from Isaiah the passage which includes “They will hammer their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4) which I don’t recall having heard at an ANZAC service either, and which is so very appropriate.
During the laying of the wreathes – quite a lengthy affair – both bands played.
I don’t think this little boy, seated right behind the pipe band, was an avid fan of the bagpipes.
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