Personal ties help us recall

Anyone who feared for the future of Anzac Day commemorations need not worry, if the turnout and atmosphere at yesterday's ceremonies around Wanganui was anything to go by.

It was a time for reflection and emotions were evident as we paused to consider the sacrifices made over many years by men and women in pursuit of justice and freedom.

At Maxwell a good crowd gathered: infants, children, teenagers, adults and some who might be described as senior citizens. We were all there for one purpose but almost definitely different reasons.

Wanganui Mayor Annette Main told of the record attendance at the dawn service before each speaker shared reflections of Anzac Day.

Reverend David Beberfald recounted his experience of tragic loss and the power of a united community helping to ease the pain. RSA president Graeme Pleasants told of his recent journey to Gallipoli and Anzac Cove. He talked of wondering why - why did the men, some as young as 14, go to war in a foreign country, why did they land where they did, why did they keep launching themselves at the enemy trenches to certain death. Why were they fighting, and dying, in such large numbers?

Standing there listening, I wondered how I would react if the world was in such a parlous state. Would I have the courage to leave my family and head into the unknown, to put my life on the line so others might enjoy freedoms we take for granted?

I have my doubt and, thankfully, it is a hypothetical scenario brought about by the sacrifices made on many different battlefields over many years by people I will never get to meet.

Lest we forget, indeed, what so many endured and sacrificed.

Looking around yesterday, it was obvious that each of us has our own connection to Anzac Day and the ultimate sacrifice made by so many will be remembered for many years to come.

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