The stark reality of life as an Anzac was brought home to Tauranga Boys' College students by old boy Todd Muller in a poignant speech.
At a special assembly at the college yesterday, the Bay of Plenty MP told students he wanted to make Anzac Day as relevant as possible for them so they could reflect on the ultimate sacrifices the Anzacs made.
He urged the students to think about those thousands of young people who jumped at the offer of an all expenses paid overseas trip and the many thousands who never came back.
"It probably started as a huge adventure. Like getting a text or Facebook message and email from the Government saying you can go and play rugby in Europe for New Zealand. All divisions and grades, you just need to run around Nicholson [college] field twice to prove your fitness, we will provide the uniform, the tools for the job and the trip over there.
"Imagine the excitement, as the opportunity ripples around Facebook and the texts fly. It's spot the one who won't go, mock him, 'a free trip, heck yeah', excitement, reinforcing the commitment of everyone to go," he said.