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Anzac Day commemorations have been hit by tragedy in New Zealand at the news three Air Force officers set to take part in Wellington services lost their lives in a helicopter crash.
Tens of thousands of New Zealanders gathered at dawn services around the country to remember the New Zealanders who lost their lives at Gallipoli in 1915 and in other military engagements since.
But those who have been attending all Anzac Day events held after the dawn services have also been mourning the Air Force members whose Iroquois helicopter crashed shortly before 6am at Pukerua Bay, 40km north of Wellington, on the way to Anzac Day events in the capital.
Co-pilot Flying Officer Daniel Stephen Gregory, 28, crewman Corporal Benjamin Andrew Carson, 25, and pilot Flight Lieutenant Hayden Peter Madsen, 33, were found dead at the crash site. A fourth man was airlifted to Wellington Hospital, where he remains in a serious condition.
Most attending the dawn services had no knowledge of the crash but Returned Services Association (RSA) chief executive Dr Stephen Clarke said it saddened the mood at all subsequent events.
"I've just left the Ataturk Memorial Turkish ceremony in Wellington, which was one of those services which the Iroquois was meant to fly over," Dr Clarke told NZPA.
"That's definitely put a dampener on the day."
Dr Clarke said RSA chief executive Robin Klitscher, who is in Turkey for services at Gallipoli, had sent his condolences to the Air Force.
Services have been well attended with the dawn service at Auckland reportedly attracting 15,000 people, Dr Clarke said.
The Auckland service at Auckland War Memorial Museum paid extra respect this year to the Australians who fought alongside the New Zealanders at Gallipoli.
For the first time, Advance Australia Fair was sung by the choir at the service, something which is expected to happen every year, and the Australian flag flew at the ceremony.
"That reflects a call in parts of Australia as well to acknowledge the NZ in Anzac. It was very strong in Queensland earlier in the year, and that put the spotlight on how we acknowledge the A in Anzac," Dr Clarke said.
"It's most appropriate that on this day the ribbing between the two nations is put aside somewhat and we can really enjoy and celebrate that bond, and I think that'll be important as we head towards the centenary (of the Gallipoli landing)."
The New Zealand Transport Agency also flew the Australian flag on the Auckland Harbour Bridge after a decision by the Government following a request from a member of the public.
It is one of only two days when flags other than the New Zealand flag fly on the bridge, the other day being Waitangi Day when the "tino rangatiratanga" flag flies.
Dr Clarke also said it was important to remember it was an important day for the Turkish people, whose forces were trying to fend off the Anzac troops in 1915.
"They do have their own day, the 18th of March, which is the equivalent of our Anzac Day, but increasingly they are acknowledging and part of their culture is to host guests and that's obviously increasing around Anzac Day, the 25th of April, as well."
Auckland Mayor John Banks told the service in his city that the Gallipoli campaign caused profound misery and palpable grief to New Zealanders and Australians.
He said the services also remembered New Zealanders who lost their lives in other battles such as the Somme, Messines and Passchendaele.
"We do not seek to glorify war. Rather, we are here to honour and reflect on the service that so many men and women gave to our country.
"As the sun rises this morning, we turn our eyes to the glory that surrounds the memory for those who died for this nation in the honourable pursuit of peace."
At the Wellington dawn service, Army chief Major General Rhys Jones said Anzac Day was not a celebration.
"Anzac Day is a time to remember and reflect on the sorrow, loss and sacrifice that is the obligation of nationhood, the cost of liberty and the price of freedom."
About 3000 were estimated to have been at Wellington, while crowds were at record levels in Christchurch.
"I would say there was more than last year," BJ Clark of the Papanui RSA said of the Christchurch dawn service at Cathedral Square.
"It just keeps increasing every year. I don't know where they come from."
Significant crowds were also reported at other towns and cities throughout New Zealand.
- NZPA
