On April 25, 1915, around 20,000 New Zealand and Australian troops embarked on a joint mission to seize control of the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey during the First World War, aiming to secure the crucial passage of the Dardanelles, leading to the Bosphorus and the Black Sea. Landing under fire, these dedicated volunteers battled alongside other allied nations through harsh conditions for eight long months. By the end of the campaign, more than 130,000 soldiers had died. Among the dead 2779 were New Zealanders. The combined Australian and New Zealand troops came to be known as ANZACS and were esteemed throughout military camps for their unwavering courage, camaraderie, and noble character.
The inaugural Dawn Service in 1923 marked the beginning of this solemn tradition, with the haunting notes of the 'Last Post' echoing as a poignant tribute to those who have completed their duty. Performing the ‘Last Post’ for over 40 years, the last 25 in Nelson, Sgt Mason Robinson has been congregating weekly at the Nelson RSA, meeting with the Veterans and other RSA members to enjoy each other's company. Each week at 1800Hrs the members reflect and remember those who are no longer with them by ‘the playing of the Last Post and reciting of the Ode’. “Remembering” is a value that is core to the RSA and one that is emphasised on Anzac Day, says Mason. “The Nelson RSA would like to thank the public for all of their support. Nelson’s ceremonies start at dawn with an Anzac Day Dawn Commemoration.”
Of particular note this year is a new parade route starting from the Trafalgar Centre car park on Paru Paru Rd where everyone needs to muster at 530Hrs. “This year, along with the normal format of a Dawn Service, the Nelson RSA would like to incorporate a special tribute to our veterans, with a featured salute to the veterans at the end of the parade route.
The tribute will involve the veterans halting at the end of the parade march off and then the remaining parade will march past the veterans and undertake an ‘Eyes Right’ command and salute all the veterans who have served - including veterans, contemporary veterans and all family members marching on with their family's medals. This is simply the parade’s way to say thanks to those who have served abroad.”
In addition, the public of Nelson who are attending the event can also move to Paru Paru Road to watch the salute and position themselves along the roadside to thank the veterans as thye march past one more time on ANZAC Day. Sgt Robinson says, "if there happened to be rousing applause and cheering that would be extremely fitting!". Integral to our remembrance is the ongoing support and care for those presently serving these organizations today. The Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Associations (RNZRSA) prepare for the significant annual Poppy Day appeal. Nelson RSA Support advisor Barry Point says the RNZRSA Poppy appeal encourages Rembembrance and raises funds for NZ War Veterans and their dependants. "Here, in Nelson, donations on Poppy Day help us to improve the health and well-being for NZ veterans of all ages.
For people wishing to make contributions and purchase their poppies in time for Anzac Day, volunteers will be out collecting on Friday, April 19. Nelson RSA will have 19 collection tables around the Nelson region, at Nelson Airport, in the Nelson CBD, and outside all supermarkets, including Stoke. We will also be at the
Saturday Market, Bunnings, and Mitre 10 Mega on Saturday, 20th. Please give generously!” For those wishing to donate via online banking they can do so via the Poppy Trust account: NBS 03 1354 0038318 01
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith will be in attendance to lay wreaths at the Dawn Service at Anzac Park, at Pikimai (Cathedral Hill) and at the Civic Service at Nayland College. “Recognising ANZAC Day shows respect for the thousands of Nelsonians who served our community and country at war, particularly the hundreds killed,” he says. “It’s about reinforcing the values they fought for – freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the value of service to one’s community. It is also an annual stark reminder of the cost of war and why we need, as a community and country, to be advocates for conflict resolution and peace. I also see ANZAC Day as an opportunity to champion the current people in our Defence Force, police, fire brigades and other emergency services, who continue to make sacrifices for the safety and well-being of our community.”
Please refer to the new parade route. There are five other Commemorations and Services after the dawn commemoration, highlighted on the schedule above.
