A Column by Kāpiti Mayor Janet Holborow
This week marks 110 years since the landing of New Zealand and Commonwealth forces at Gallipoli in modern-day Turkey. While those who fought in 1915 are no longer with us, the sacrifices then give us the opportunity to remember those who have been (and are today) part of the military, both at home and abroad.
Wherever you are along the coast there will be a service nearby. These include:
Ōtaki, Ōtaki RSA 6am and sunset service at Ōtaki Service Cemetery at 5pm
Waikanae, Waikanae Club at 11am
Paraparaumu, Hospital Gates at 630am and 930am
Paekākāriki, corner of Ocean Rd and the Parade – 830am
The full details for these and other events can be found on rsa.org.nz
In Paekākāriki the service is an opportunity to remember the United States Marines who were lost during a training exercise off the beach during World War II. The Marines had a substantial presence 80 years ago with camps at Queen Elizabeth Park. At its height there were 20,000 troops in the region. Today memorials can be found in the area and a fixture of the commemorations will be the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band. At 11am at MacLean Park they’ll be preforming their “Marines on the Beach” concert featuring their brass quintet & jazz combo. Following Anzac Day, they’ll also be performing in Paekākāriki,
Paraparaumu, and Ōtaki. In previous years their music has been fantastic it and I recommend checking it out.
For those who haven’t served or lived in war zones, it can be difficult to truly understand what happens in those environments. But the sacrifices made are all too real. Thousands of New Zealanders have given their lives for this country and countless return with scars-not all of which can be seen. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the suffering of the wider population as a result of current and historical conflict.
Thanks are due to the organisers of these commemorations, both the RSA and community members who work hard to put on these services. There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes to deliver these intricate and important events.
Finally, wild weather has seen parts of the country battered and dealing with flooding and damage. The District has been unscathed but it’s a timely reminder to be prepared in an emergency. Having the essentials and important paperwork is vital as an emergency can come without warning. You can learn more about preparedness at getready.govt.nz
