I hope all Nelsonians take time to reflect tomorrow on the hundreds of Nelsonians and thousands of New Zealanders who gave their lives serving our country as we mark Anzac Day and the 109th anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli.
I find it heartening that so many Nelson people of all ages get out of bed early to gather in the cold at Anzac Park to watch the sun rise and pay tribute to NZ’s fallen soldiers including 18,000 in WWI, 12,000 in WWII, 45 in Korea, 15 in Malaya, 12 in Borneo, 37 in Vietnam and 10 in Afghanistan. It is about respect for those who sacrificed their lives for the wider good. I concur with the biblical phrase that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for others.
The commemorations are also about the important values they fought for – freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. Only 8% of the world’s population live in full democracies such as ours. Authoritarian regimes have been on the rise over the past decade. I am more worried about the state of global affairs than at any time in my 35 years as an elected representative. We best honour their memory by continuing to be staunch advocates for these timeless values.
Anzac Day is also a stark reminder of the cost of war and why we need, as a community and country, to be advocates for conflict resolution and peace. We must do all we can to prevent the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine escalating into regional wars in the Middle East or Europe.
Tomorrow is also an opportunity to champion the current people serving in our Defence Force, Police, Fire Service, St John and other emergency services. They all take risks and make sacrifices for the safety and wellbeing of our community.
My thanks to our Nelson RSA for all its work in organising tomorrow’s services. I look forward to laying wreaths at the dawn service at Anzac Park at 6am, at Cathedral Hill/Pikimai at 9am and at the Stoke Civic Service at Nayland College at 11am. Lest we forget.
