The pride of the poppy
On April 25, the day will be welcomed by the haunting echoes of the Last Post and the words ‘Lest we forget' as around the country we remember those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy as Kiwis.
Anzac Day is a time of true remembrance, a day where all New Zealanders come together united, maybe even shedding a tear or two as we think about those brave men and women who died fighting for our country.
No matter where we were born or where we come from, an increasing number of New Zealanders choose to join in the commemorations of Anzac Day and to honour those who so selflessly gave their lives to ensure the freedom of our great nation and the freedom of others.
Anticipation for Anzac Day grows each year as more Kiwis take the time to reflect on the sacrifices soldiers have made in defending our country. New Zealand has great respect and Mana on the world stage because of these brave soldiers and it is only right that we pay our respect.
There is something very special about the Dawn Services where thousands of people gather in the cold and dark early morning to say thanks. I invite you all to join in the Anzac spirit and to show your support for our fallen men and women at these services.
Without their gallant efforts, it is possible that we may not have been able to enjoy the many freedoms we now take for granted in our great nation and that is why it is up to all New Zealanders - including those from within our Ethnic communities - to show our respect for these heroic men and women.
The Returned Services Association and Anzac Day go hand in hand and on Friday you will see war veterans and RSA members selling the distinctive Red Poppies as a fundraiser for their organisation.
As Anzac day has grown in popularity and become a day to show your pride for being a Kiwi, so too has the poppy become an icon of everything that our soldiers have fought for.
Poppy Day is steeped with great tradition and is therefore worn with pride at funerals and is placed on the graves of fallen servicemen and women here and overseas.
New Zealand had its first Poppy Day in 1922, when 245,059 small poppies and 15,157 larger poppies were sold by the RSA to raise much-needed money to help soldiers in need and their families.
Today that tradition continues and when you see someone selling the distinctive red poppy it is your chance to help your fellow countrymen - so please give generously and wear your poppy with pride.
Last year I and a number of Asian volunteers helped to sell poppies for the Howick RSA and it was a real pleasure to witness the generosity of givers and the pride they felt towards helping our servicemen and women.
As well as buying a poppy, it's also important you take the time to commemorate Anzac Day and show your support, because soldiers from WW1 and WW2 are becoming fewer each year and it's up to our younger generations to keep their memories alive.
Anzac Day is also important as a time to remember our brave defence forces who continue to represent New Zealand in war zones and on peace-keeping missions around the world.
Anzac Day is much more than just a day off, it is chance to celebrate being a Kiwi and the contribution we have made to the world. Make sure you get out there and support the RSA.
