I shouldn't be surprised, but because I wasn't focusing on work, I saw and heard and imbibed a lot more than usual. And I had the time to stop and talk to people.
It was a very special day, especially as my nephew and a few family friends are also in ATC, and later in the day my 94 year-old father-in-law marched at the 1030 Havelock North service.
And no I wasn't working, but of course I took my camera. Enjoy J
Girls from Sacred Heart College, Napier, waiting for the Dawn Parade
A moment of reflection amongst Nga Pou o Heretaunga in Civic Square
Deco Bay Napier Port Brass Band provided the music for both the New Zealand and the Australian national anthems - the first time I can recall singing the Ausy one.
One of the four Air Training Corps on sentry duty
The band played by torchlight
Still going strong at nearly 90
It's pretty cool attending the Dawn Parade, listening through the darkness as the parade marches up, everyone standing in silence for the entire service, the sound of gunfire for the gun salute and the three planes flying overhead in formation - it's kind of eerie.
A fallen poppy (someone else rescued it before I could)
Lest we forget
Reading the names of those gone before
Breakfast entertainment at the Hastings RSA
New Zealand Army medals
Beer for brunch
11 Squadron Air Training Corps District of Hastings, ready for the second parade, in Havelock North
My nephew (missing the hat cos there were so many new cadets this year)
My daughter, a corporal J
My Dad (left), with a mate.
The vets marched surprisingly quickly...
I can't really describe what I felt as everyone applauded them, but I felt it...
followed by the ATC,
and other community groups.
Sentry duty at the Havelock North Cenotaph
The New Zealand Fire Service turned out in force. Most of these guys are probably from the Havelock North Volunteer Fire Brigade
Squadron leader Mike Wills, 11 Squadron ATC
Ben Vautier, head boy at Hereworth School, gave the address
The next generation
War veterans, including women
L-R: Cr Malcolm Dixon and deputy mayor Cynthia Bowers laid a wreath on behalf of Hastings District Council
11 Squadron Air Training Corps District of Hastings laid a wreath
Present arms
War medals
Not sure I could stay still that long
Marching off, next stop the Havelock North Club. I'm proud of my Dad
Many young people wore their grandparents' medals
Organisers report that a lot more children attended this year's services
Poppies placed on the Cenotaph after the service
Okay, I admit it, I love all the medals
A young lad from Hereworth School, Havelock North
"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.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
We will remember them."
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