The sacrifice of the troops killed at Gallipoli is a mighty gift and inspiration to those living today, yesterday's dawn service at Anzac Cove heard.
About 7500 people, including many young New Zealanders and Australians, attended the service to commemorate those who lost their lives in the disastrous World War
I campaign.
The attendance was lower than last year's 11,000 and the ceremony was more solemn.
As well as military representatives, the service was attended by New Zealand Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand and Minister of Veterans Affairs Judith Collins.
New Zealanders lost their innocence at Gallipoli, but from that loss, and from deep grief at the loss of so much life, they came to see their nation as more than just an adjunct to Britain, Sir Anand said.
The Anzac spirit had endured, and in places such as the Solomon Islands and East Timor, New Zealand and Australian defence personnel continued to work together towards common goals.
"In these troubling times we can draw inspiration from those who have gone before, and from the example that they set," Sir Anand said.
"Because of their service, few of us will ever be called upon to endure what they went through. That legacy is a mighty gift that we should always cherish. As we look to the future, we should always remember their sacrifices. This is a lesson we should never forget."
More than a quarter of the 8556 New Zealanders who fought in the Gallipoli campaign died in combat or from disease, and more than half were wounded.
- NZPA
