Special appearance hopeful at Hakaru service

JULIA WADE 

A year on from last year’s Covid-cancelled Anzac Day, which resulted in the nationwide ‘Stand at Dawn’ appeal and locals decorating gardens with red poppies and crosses, 2021 will see a return to the customary dawn services and ceremonies on Sunday April 25.  

In addition to Hakaru RSA’s popular and poignant morning ceremony – which usually attracts large crowds and involves representatives from NZ Army, Navy, Police, Fire Brigade and St John as well as other community groups, schools and clubs – is the much-anticipated appearance of two Seasprite helicopters from the Royal New Zealand Air Force No.6 Squadron. Hakaru RSA president Bill Warren says the choppers fly-by over the ceremony could see them hovering in as low as 300 feet. 

“But only if weather and other conditions are suitable,” he says. “There is a bit of noise at that height so I previously warned residents who have livestock that may take fright to please move them to a safe distance from the RSA.” 

An official inaugural dawn service is also planned to take place at Alamar Crescent from 5.30am, offering locals an early beginning to show their respect for the country’s servicemen and women. 

To those who dedicate their years and energy, and have given their lives for liberty and peace for all, from the first tremor of bagpipes to the final lingering note of The Last Post, we will remember…   

Every year white crosses and red poppies appear in local cemeteries including Hakaru’s St Michaels Church (pictured) and Tara Road, in honour of the many men and women who served, and later passed away at home post war. PHOTO/JULIA WADE