Solemn note marks Gallipoli ceremony

Singing the national anthem at Tauranga Girls' College's remembrance ceremony were Pip Artus (left), Ana Morris, Hinemairangi Pahau-Wilson and Aine Blackman. Photo / George Novak

Prayers, poetry and parades marked Tauranga Girls' College's Gallipoli centenary remembrance ceremony yesterday.

The ceremony started yesterday afternoon with a parade of Army and Air Force cadets, followed by student leaders, in front of the Field of Remembrance the school erected on Monday.

The address was given by Rose Barker, 17, chairwoman of the student executive.

She told the crowd about what she had learned of World War I as a history student and shared the story of her great grandfather, who served in WWI and WWII.

"He lost one lung being gassed in Gallipoli and he went on to serve in the World War II.

"Today I stand here proud of my great-grandfather.

"Although I never got the chance to meet him, I'm proud of him."

Principal Pauline Cowens said since making World War I a big focus at the school, she had seen a change in the thinking of the students. She spoke about how the crosses for the Field of Remembrance had been made by involving students in all steps along the way.

The crosses were measured by maths students, built by technology students, painted by art students, adorned with fabric poppies by textiles students and with the backgrounds of the soldiers researched by history and social sciences students.

Prayers were held by Reverend John Hebenton and a karakia by kaumatua Tutu Pearson.

Patricia MacDonald, a local resident, told of her uncle William Reeve who had lived on Cameron Rd and joined the army under-age at 17. Her uncle died in France and his body was never found.

Poems were read out in Te Reo, French and English by students, then the service ended with the Benediction and the national anthem.