Kia Ora and Good morning,
On this day the 25th of April we unite to remember all those who have served their country in times of need and especially those whom made the supreme sacrifice and gave their lives when called to Arms.
We commemorate the likes of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli. The horrific battles and huge loss of life at Passchendaele, Ypres, the Somme, Flanders Fields in Belgium and elsewhere in world War One, “The so called War to End All Wars”.
We also remember those whom served in WW2, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, East Timor and other modern conflicts where our young Men an Woman have served with distinction.
We must also recognize the important role that Woman played in these conflicts, especially the brave Nurses and the many others, some of whom also made that supreme sacrifice.
Many of those who survived those battles returned home broken both in body and mind and never recovered.
Many were our fathers and grandfathers.
They never spoke of the Horrors of war or the torments they endured. They were changed men and women. These days they would be diagnosed as having Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and treated.
For us we now have a better understanding of why our forefathers were “Different”. It was not their fault, it was the result of War and the horrors and Deprivation they lived through.
If we recall from past commemorations, Gallipoli has often been referred to as our Nations Baptism of Fire. Perhaps it may be fitting to reflect on this for just a moment and remember the Blood Spilt and Sacrifices made in our Own land, Aotearoa, New Zealand, during what could have been our true Baptism of fire. That is the land wars of the 1800s where Colonial Settlers and Imperial Forces fought against and died alongside the original Maori land owners, the Tangata Whenua of Aotearoa New Zealand.
At this time we also remember all who have served their nation in both War and Peace. Not just the Armed Forces but also our Fire Service, the Police, Nurses, Doctors, Paramedics, Search and Rescue and all those that give of themselves to keep the rest of us and our homes safe.
Thank You
Kia Kaha (Address given by Clayton Ross in his culdesac)
Prayer
Almighty God, the same yesterday, today and forever,
As we remember those who died in the great wars and subsequent battles, who fought for justice and freedom, we pray that the offering of their lives has not been in vain. We give thanks for their bravery and sacrifice.
We pray for those who suffer as the result of war; we commend to your care and compassion, those for whom grief and trauma causes them despair. Give them all the comfort of your presence and the courage to face the future.
Strengthen those who help them with understanding and patience.
Bless all serving personnel both overseas and in Aotearoa New Zealand.
May the spirit of ANZAC be renewed so that the cause of justice, freedom and peace may be witnessed in the actions of all who strive to build a better world.
This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen