Today, Anzac Day, we will remember those who have lost their lives in the name of our country - not only those lost in the Battle of Gallipoli which began April 25, 1915, but those who died in all wars and conflicts in which Kiwis have served.
Of course, AnzacDay has become more than just a commemoration of the past.
It's also a day to think about those who are in our armed forces now - all of them prepared to put their lives on the line for their country. That's a pretty big deal when you stop to think about it. If we were called to war tomorrow, these men and women would do whatever was required of them to defend New Zealand.
It's heartening to know that, according to our local RSA, an increasing number of people, particularly young people, are turning up to dawn ceremonies and other commemorations on Anzac Day. It means they know the importance of the sacrifices of servicemen and women of the past.
Hopefully, they also realise the importance to our country of the servicemen and women of the present and future.
Nobody likes war but the world being what it is, there will always be conflicts somewhere and some of those conflicts will, in one way or another, require the services of New Zealand soldiers.
We can't bury our heads in the sand in the name of peace.
We may be small but we have always contributed and helped to fight for what we believe to be the greater good.
