Becky Dougherty's grandfather, Frank, served in World War II and she will wear some of his medals today to honour him. Photo / John Borren
Becky Dougherty's grandfather, Frank, served in World War II and she will wear some of his medals today to honour him. Photo / John Borren
Becky Dougherty's grandfather wasn't much older than her when he joined the army at age 20 and went off to war.
Frank Gordon Dougherty, who died in 2003 aged 84, served in World War II and returned when he was 25.
Becky is a head prefect at Otumoetai College and will make a short speech today at the Anzac Day Civic Service in Tauranga's Memorial Park.
The 17-year-old will talk about the sacrifices made and importance of commemorating April 25 and all it stood for, "and what we should do as generations that haven't been so affected by war, looking into the future, advocating for peace".
Becky Dougherty's grandfather Frank served in World War II and she will wear some of his medals today to honour him. Photo / John Borren
"I think it would scar you mentally. He did have periods of time where he was quite depressed but I think that was the case with many of the men who went to war."
Becky's grandfather's medals were mostly brought out after he died and were handed on to her dad, she said.
"I don't think any of them like talking about it. I don't think dad saw much of the medals when he was a kid."
Becky Dougherty's grandfather, Frank, served in World War II and she will wear some of his medals today to honour him. Photo / John Borren
Becky said many people her age want to get connected to history and find out more about what happened in the wars. Almost everyone had a connection with Anzac Day or war in general, she said.
"Obviously in New Zealand, we're quite a safe country but there are definitely countries out there that still have war and it's so important to think of the concept of war and think of how we can change our humanity.
"Speaking for myself, I certainly don't have an amazing understanding of our history and I want to expand on that because I think it's really important to know our past to ensure that we don't repeat it."
Anzac Day services today
Tauranga Civic Service at Memorial Park 8.30am: Assemble for the parade at Memorial Park, corner of 11th Ave and Fraser St, next to Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre 8.55am: March off 9am: Service starts at cenotaph in Memorial Park Wet weather contingency: Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre
Pyes Pa Cemetery 403 Pyes Pa Rd Remembrance service from 11am
Mount Maunganui RSA Cenotaph Memorial Service (Marine Parade, opposite Mount Drury) 9.15am: Assemble at Mount Drury 9.25am: March off 9.30am: Service starts (if wet, service at RSA 544 Maunganui Rd)
Omokoroa Community Memorial Service 11am: Service and wreath laying starts at Omokoroa Point School (37 Hamurana Rd)
Te Puke Memorial Service Te Puke War Memorial Hall (130 Jellicoe St) 10am: Assemble on Jellicoe St, opposite Kiwibank 10.30am: Service starts
Katikati Civic Parade and Service Katikati Memorial Square (Main Rd, Katikati) 10.15am: Assemble at the Talisman Hotel car park (Main Rd) 10.40am: March along Main Rd to Katikati Memorial Square 11am: Service starts, followed by wreath laying. There will be refreshments at Katikati RSA and Citizens Club after the service
Waihi Memorial RSA 71 Seddon Avenue, Waihi 8am: Waihi Cemetery Service 9am: Tunnelling Company Memorial Service at Gilmour Lake (use George St entrance) 10.45am: Parade assembles at Waihi RSA 10.50am: March through town to the Waihi War Memorial Hall 11am: Service starts Noon: Lunch
Waihi Beach RSA 99 Beach Rd, Waihi Beach 9.30am: Memorial service
