First observed in 1916, Anzac Day – 25 April – commemorates those killed in war, and honours returned servicemen and women, their families and also the communities who still remember the sacrifice those service personnel made.
It is also a day to remember current New Zealand Defence personnel serving in some far away land away from their families and friends.
The date itself marks the anniversary of the landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers – the Anzacs – on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915, 101 years ago. Thousands lost their lives in the Gallipoli Campaign: 87,000 Turks, 44,000 men from France and the British Empire including 8500 Australian and 2779 New Zealanders, may they all rest in peace.
The Raglan Returned and Services Association (RSA) again plans to commemorate this solemn day with a parade that will march to the cenotaph on Bow St at 11am. Form up for the parade will commence around 10.45am and all service personnel and ex-service personnel are welcome to join in.
The service will be officiated by our Kaumatua Sean Ellison and Minister Kathleen Gavin. Wreaths will be laid at the cenotaph by a variety of local organisations and speeches will be conducted by the head boy and head girl from Raglan Area School.
161 Battery RNZA personnel will also be in attendance, having the freedom of the city. They will provide a catafalque guard, a flag orderly and will march in the Anzac Parade.
The master of ceremonies will be Colin Hodkinson, acting RSA president.
Recited on Anzac Day is verse 4 of a poem written by Robert Laurence Binyon, often referred to as “Binyons Lines” or more properly “For the Fallen.”
Within the RSA this is referred to as The ODE.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning
We will remember them.
Anzac Remembrance Service – 11am
Order of Service
God save our gracious Queen
Long live our noble Queen
God save our Queen
Send her victorious
Happy and glorious
Long to reign over us
God save our Queen
Welcome
Minister: We are here to remember
People: We are here to remember all those who
gave their lives in the service of their
country during the wars of our times
Minister: We are here to give thanks
People: We are here to give thanks for the courage and self-sacrifice
Minister: We are here to worship
People: We are here to worship God from whom we receive forgiveness, love and peace
Minister: Let us pray
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
People: Our Father Who Art in Heaven…
Scripture reading
Hymn: O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
Under the shadow of thy throne,
Thy saints have dwelt secure,
Sufficient is thine arm alone,
And our defence is sure.
Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her fame,
From everlasting thou art God,
To endless years the same.
(Isaac watts, 1674-1748)
Address
The offering: in support of RSA veterans and the elderly who require help during the year
Hymn: O lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the works thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, my saviour God to thee;
How great thou art, how great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my saviour God to thee;
How great thou art, how great thou art!
Whakaaria mai tōu Rīpeka ki a au;
Tiaho mai rā roto i te pō:
Ki konā au titiro atu ai:
Ora, mate, hei a au koe noho ai.
Whakaaria mai tōu Rīpeka ki a au;
Tiaho mia rā roto i te pō:
Ki konā au titiro atu ai:
Ora, mate, hei a au koe noho ai.
Minister: Let us dedicate ourselves anew to the unfinished task
People: In remembrance of those who make the Great sacrifice.
O God make us better men and women,
And give us peace in our time;
Through Jesus Christ, your son,
our saviour.
Amen.
Wreath laying:
MC calls for organisations individually to lay wreaths
Minister: Greater love hath no man than this,
That a man lay down his life for his friends
The Last Post:
A Silence : A silence is observed for a time ………..
The Ode:
Minister: Let us pray
National Anthems:
Australian
Australians all let us rejoice
For we are young and free
We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil
Our home is girt by sea
Our land abounds in nature’s gift
Of beauty rich and rare
In history’s page let every stage
Advance Australia fair
In joyful strains then let us sing
Advance Australia fair
New Zealand
E Ihowa Atua
O ngā iwi mātao rā
Ata whakarangona
Me aroha noa
Kia hua ko te pai
Kia tau tō atawhai
Manaakitia mai
Aotearoa
God of nations at thy feet
In the bounds of love we meet
Hear our voices we entreat|
God defend our free land
Guard Pacific’s triple star
From the shafts of strife and war
Make her praises heard afar
God defend New Zealand
The Benediction.
The public to remain until ‘The Parade’ has marched off.
