Todd McClay: A day on which we can say 'thank you'

We must not forget Thursday is Anzac Day - a day to reflect on, and be grateful to, our Anzac veterans.

More than 2700 New Zealanders lost their lives serving as part of the Australia New Zealand Army Corps that landed at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. It is difficult to imagine the human suffering, hardships, and horrors they endured. For this reason it's important to honour these men and women and ensure they receive recognition for the service and sacrifice they gave to our country.

Anzac Day is an increasingly important occasion and over the past few years it has been heartening to witness the growing number of New Zealanders attending Anzac services. In Rotorua and the wider electorate in particular, the tradition remains strong and is important to those who live here. Every year hundreds of people get up to attend the nearest Dawn Parade and commemoration events.

This year I will have the honour of attending both the Kawerau Dawn Parade and the Anzac Day Civic Memorial Service at the Rotorua Convention Centre before joining RSA members for a meal at the Rotorua RSA Club.

Reporoa College head girl Brie Piggott and deputy head boy Kerry Power will be the guest speakers at this year's memorial in Rotorua - a great honour for them to represent not only their school but the wider community. They will be joined by Mayor Kevin Winters, council staff and representatives of both the British and Australian High Commission will also be in attendance. To Brie and Kerry - you can be very proud.

I was also delighted to hear Rotorua man Commander Keith Wisnesky will be the guest speaker at the Kawerau Dawn Parade. Wisnesky served in the Royal New Zealand Navy for 22 years and I look forward to hearing about his experiences and life in the armed forces.

The Dawn Parade is always a special event. Veterans and locals fall in and march to the Rec Centre for the wreath-laying before a heartfelt service.

On that note I want to acknowledge Te Teko soldier Corporal Luke Tamate, and his fellow soldiers Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker and Private Richard Harris, who were tragically killed in Afghanistan last year. My thoughts will be with his friends and family on Thursday, particularly his mother who resides in Kawerau.

It's important to remember that over the past few years we have faced several losses in the defence force. Three other New Zealanders have lost their lives in Afghanistan: Lieutenant Timothy O'Donnell, Private Jack Howard (serving in the British Army), and Private Kirifi Mila.

On Anzac Day 2011, a helicopter crash claimed the lives of three Iroquois crew, Flight Lieutenant Hayden Madsen, Flying Officer Daniel Gregory, and crewman Corporal Andrew Carson.

To these brave men we remain grateful.

We also remember those who have served in conflicts such as the Battle of Crete, which began on May 20, 1941, during the World War II. New Zealand lost hundreds of soldiers and more than 2000 were captured as prisoners of war.

The Government, along with all New Zealanders, is committed to honouring those veterans who served our country operationally, and in a wide range of vital support roles.

If you are able to take part in a remembrance service on Thursday, the friends and family of our brave soldiers, both past and present, will be grateful of your recognition and support. Our veterans need to know how much they are valued, and that the job they do is appreciated.

Lest we forget.