We Will Remember Them - Rotorua's Dawn Parade (+pics)

Thousands attended this mornings dawn parade at Ohinemutu Photo/Ben Fraser

Image 1 of 20: Dawn service at Muruika war cemetery at Ohinemutu Photo/Ben Fraser

At dawn 100 years ago today thousands of Anzac troops flooded the beaches of Gallipoli to fight for the freedoms we now take for granted.

One hundred years on thousands more gathered at Muruika war cemetery at Ohinemutu this morning to pay their respects to those men from New Zealand and Australia who sacrificed their lives, and those who returned, from the Great War - World War I.

This year saw one of the largest crowds in recent memory assemble at the scared site on the shores of Lake Rotorua. The crowd, standing shoulder to shoulder, spread right back past the wharenui of Tamatekapua.

The City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band lead the parade of veterans and service people onto the cemetery grounds before Rotorua veteran Piwiki Heke welcomed all who had assembled for the memorial service.

Thousands attend this mornings dawn parade at Ohinemutu Photo/Ben Fraser

Mr Heke said the crowd "exceeded all expectations" and was thankful a big screen had been set up behind St Faith's church so everyone could watch the proceedings.

Official guests included Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick, MP Todd McClay, Rotorua RSA president William McDonald, members of the clergy, Te Arawa kaumatua and Australian Army representative Lt Colonel Scott Gill.

Guest speaker for the ceremony was Rotorua's Major Pita (Peter) Anaru, retired.

Mr Anaru reminded the crowd why they were there - to remember those men who travelled thousands of miles from home to fight on foreign beaches, some never to return.

He paid tribute to the Australian troops who spear-headed the landings at Anzac Cove and spoke of members of the Maori Pioneer Contingent from Rotorua who proved their worth on the battlefields of Gallipoli.

"Before the first world war we were untried and insular people, after Anzac we were tried and trusted. After Anzac we proved that come what may New Zealanders would not be found wanting and would prove irresistible in attack and stubborn in defence - what more could you ask of a soldier."

Playing The Last Post and Reveille - on a bugle played at Gallipoli 100 years ago by former Rotorua soldier Fred Johnson - was bugler Ken Johnson, who did admirably on an old instrument battered and worn by war.

Wreaths were then laid by representatives of the armed services and the various cadet and Scout groups attending, and also by representatives of the sons and daughters of soldiers who served at Gallipoli.

The annual Rotorua Anzac Civic Service at the Energy Events Centre is set to begin at 9.30am.