Braving cold in respect for Anzacs

Anzac Day events around the country


Wellington

More than 3000 people - braced for the cold with coats, scarves and hats - packed the forecourt and street in front of the Cenotaph for the service which started just after 5.30am.

Standing five-to 10-deep along the bottom of Lambton Quay, they silently watched as a contingent of war veterans marched to the Cenotaph at the start of the hour-long service.

The parade was also attended by many uniformed service personnel, including officers from the visiting French Navy frigate Vendemiaire.

Later in the morning, the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior provided a new focus for commemorations at the National War Memorial in Buckle St.

Christchurch

Thousands of residents braved icy drizzle to gather in Cathedral Square for the dawn service.

About 800 veterans stood in the dim light alongside a crowd of about 3000, many clutching umbrellas against the wintry conditions.

Among them were Major Bryan O'Connor, 84, and son Sergeant Major Paul O'Connor, 58, who represented two of three generations of the O'Connor family who served in the Army.

Bryan O'Connor fought in North Africa and Italy during 28 years with the New Zealand Artillery. Last year he travelled to Cassino as part of a NZ delegation of 50 veterans.

Dunedin

As the sun rose and the Last Post sounded around the Cenotaph in Queens Gardens, some 5000 people were lost in their own thoughts.

Anna Brown, of Dunedin, touched the medals of the great-grandfather she never met, while Kay Johnstone proudly wore her father's medals. He died just two years ago.

Her great-grandfather, Reuben Stewart, was one of the first to sign up for the Otago Mounted Rifles, and one of the first to land on the shores of Gallipoli.

- NZPA