"In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below."
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in New Zealand and Australia that broadly commemorates all New Zealanders and Australians "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served." Originally 25 April every year was to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. We attended two services today - a dawn service at Burnham Military Camp near our town, and a morning service in our town, Rolleston. My husband laid wreaths at both services on behalf of Paparua Templeton RSA (Returned & Services' Association).
The Fields of Remembrance Trust was formed in November 2012 by the Passchendaele Society, the Royal New Zealand RSA and the Auckland RSA. The objective of the Trust is to have all communities throughout New Zealand create their own Fields of Remembrance with personalised White Crosses to honour those in their community who served our nation overseas during World War One.
Very poignant image. A hugely important day and I hope today's children continue to learn and understand the enormous sacrifice so many young men and women have their lives so we could enjoy or lives as they are today!
April 27th, 2014
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It must be very moving to see all the white crosses across the countryside.