Wairarapa young give thanks for their freedom

Wairarapa's young people were praised by war veterans yesterday, who said they were delighted to see throngs of youngsters in parades and taking part in Anzac Day services.

Many wore medals belonging to grandfathers and great-grandfathers and were among large gatherings of people who turned out to honour those who served in war.

George Marshall of the Martinborough RSA said the increased interest being taken by young people was very encouraging.

"We're getting pretty short on veterans these days but there was a lot of young people.

"It's very good, we're always pleased to see them."

Vietnam veteran Tweet Bird of the Masterton RSA said the town's Anzac service was excellent.

"We believe there was more than last year, probably between 2500 and 3000 people.

" It was very pleasing to see good numbers of young people.

"The young are genuinely proud of their heritage, of the old service personnel and all they did for this country years ago."

Gary Thomas of the Featherston RSA said hundreds attended the town's service and the parade was "brilliant".

"We even had a World War II jeep in the parade," he said.

Rex Kenny of the Carterton RSA said they were delighted to have a lot of children involved in their services.

About 800 attended at Tinui, according to Carole Kellow. The township famously held the world's first Anzac Day service and she described yesterday as "near perfect".

Mrs Kellow said four children, two from Tinui School and two from Whareama School, read the names of fallen soldiers.

In Greytown, RSA president Alistair Plimmer said there had been at least 500 people at the Anzac Day service.

Mr Plimmer said community participation at Anzac services had been steadily increasing.

Joe Sweeney said more than 250 turned out in Eketahuna.

"It went extremely well. We had a representative from the Vietnam vets and three naval personnel.

"There was about 70 army personnel here, so it was a very good Anzac Day."

About 100 people gathered at the flagstaff at Lake Ferry. Pupils from Kahutara and Pirinoa schools, and Kuranui College, mingled with adults and veterans, singing Abide With Me and the national anthem.