Day: 24 April 2006

ANZAC Day


25th April for those not in the know.
It is a national holiday here, though no roll over to Momday if happens to fall on the weekend.
So, it is like Remembrance Day or Sunday, but with more importance possibly.

http://www.anzac.govt.nz/index.html

http://www.rsa.org.nz/index.html

The commemoration services are at dawn to mark the start of the Gallipoli campaign 1915.

Today we were at the Wellington service at the Cenotaph, Lambton Quay. So early rise, 4-50 to be there for the 5-45 start. All Quirkes were up and raring. There were a few thousand people in attendence, with all ages covered. The ex-servicemen marched in with a military band and followed by members of various organisations, like the Guides and army cadets.
The speeches concentrated on the acknowledgement and celebration of sacrifice not the glorification of battle. The importance of remembering the sacrifice of men and women in unpopular conflicts like Vietnam was stressed, being reminded that they were sent like any others, and if you have a problem with the conflict, direct your thoughts at those who do the sending.
ANZAC is an important way of Kiwis expressing their national character, I think more so than Remembrance day does in the UK. I suppose it is something to do with being a smaller and younger nation.
It is impressive that so many get out of bed early to attend, and do not necessarily see it as just another holiday and so have a lie in.
The shops are closed until 1pm also!
Last year Sara and I went to the dawn service in Nelson when we were there on holiday. This time the children has the pleasure also. It was obviously a smaller affair but more intimate and as a result more moving.
Anyway, something to make the children think and adults to reflect upon also.
Later today we are off to the Civic Square to see “beating the retreat”, though according to my well informed source, no one does it as well as the Royal Marines.
A final note;God is definitely a Kiwi. The much forecast rain held off until after the ceremony and when the bands has finished their final marching.

Super Wife


A surprise weekend away was organised, all the way to central Wellington. So distance is not a prerequisite for being away, just not the same surroundings and without the usual responsibilities. The “Celt” moved in to be aunty to the delighful three.
So we had an action packed 24 hours. We saw”Capote“, well worth the effort, and I am currently in the slow process of reading “In cold blood”. The a return walk back to the Bolton Hotel, one of Wellington’s finest. Dinner was enjoyed with fine rare beef, wine and chat.
There was plenty time to explore Wellington sea front in the dark with the camera. We enjoyed the lights in the wind free air, and took in the arts, The “Whispering Water” and the art form for which I do not know the name. Coloured flourescent tubes in a swirling pattern.
There was time still to enjoy the Canes lose on tv while drinking bubbly.
On Sunday it was back home to work and the kids after a morning of gym work, swimming and sauna.
The children seemed to have had as good a time as the parents. So a winner all round.