Crowds reinforce the ranks

Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Picture / Paul Estcourt

The largest gathering of veterans in New Zealand was at the Cenotaph in the Auckland Domain for the 66th Dawn Service held there in remembrance of Anzac Day.

The numbers of veterans may be dwindling, but the number of those who come to pay their respects is not. About 2000 people, ranging from the tiny baby in the pram to the elderly veteran in the wheelchair, braved the icy cold to join the service.

Thousands more were able to listen on radio and watch on television as the service was broadcast live, making it the largest memorial event in the country yesterday.

Under spotlights, the veterans marched to the Cenotaph before a howitzer fired a round to open the ceremony.

Prayers were offered by Navy chaplain Pauline Law, Auckland City Mayor Dick Hubbard made the dedication and Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright addressed the veterans.

A lone bugle signalled the Last Post. Hymns and the National Anthem were backed by the Auckland Youth Choir and the Salvation Army Band.

A second howitzer round marked the beginning of an acutely observed minute's silence. The sun began to rise, silhouetting Rangitoto Island on the horizon, in stark contrast to the Sky Tower and the city lights to the other side.

Mr Hubbard said that at 6am on this day 90 years ago, Anzac received its "baptism of fire" and became one of the most significant names in history.

"Let their memory inspire us to bring new light into the darkness of the world," he said.

A bugle sounded the Reveille, proclaiming the belief that the Anzac landing was the dawn of nationhood of New Zealand and Australia.

Dame Silvia said it was wonderful that so many people had come to "probably the largest gathering of veterans in New Zealand".

"We acknowledge those soldiers and all those who have fought for this country."

She said it was the first time New Zealand had commemorated Anzac Day with the Unknown Warrior present in the country.

His remains were returned from France last November, and are now interred at the National War Memorial in Wellington.

As the veterans marched away to the roll of drums at the end of the service, the congregation broke into a spontaneous burst of applause.

And as the service ended in prayer, Chaplain Law asked all to remember and pray for those who never returned home to enjoy the peace and hope they fought for.