It is ANZAC morning.
We did not make it to the Dawn Parade, this year held at the new memorial park at the National Memorial, Pukeahu. We were concerned about the popularity this year and the feasibility of being anywhere close. Seeing the coverage on the tv this morning, it was packed, and possibly a sensible decision. Images from this morning are here.
The ceremony was moving to watch even in the the comfort of the armchair. The choir had boys from St. Pats in it as well as students from other Wellington schools.
The television schedules are full of ANZAC related programmes and later the NRL will have a very sporting flavour. Currently watching a history of the planning and implementation of the invasion.
I very briefly heard a comment from an historian on Maori TV that commented on the current popularity of attendance at ceremonies. In comparison to the 75th anniversary, when attendances were low, the current commemorations have been embraced by the country. This is I think reflected in the interest of WW1 elsewhere and an apparent greater connection of the younger world with the events, history and their significance. A more romantic and idealistic view of history without the now reality of the participants being long gone or nearly gone for WW2?
