The persistent rain didn't deter a large crowd from assembling in front of the war memorial for this year's Dawn Service. The guard of honour stood motionless as wreaths and poppies were laid at the foot of the memorial, followed by a prayer, a short address and the Last Post. Two schoolchildren read out histories of two Islanders that didn't return; James Robertson (who died in WWI) and Arthur Dennison Marshall (killed on active service in WWII).
No sunrise visible this year over the sea of umbrellas but at least the rain wasn't thundering down. I have always struggled to grasp what mankind hopes to achieve by wars and oppression but it wasn't until 2006, when I researched the 2nd NZEF, that I realised how difficult it must have been for returning soldiers to 'slot' back in to civilian life. And difficult, too, for their families in NZ rejoicing that the war was over but not understanding the moods and nightmares that were still raw in the minds of those that went away.
Lest we forget.
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| The guard of honour waiting for the service to start |
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| Dawn Service Stewart Island 2014 |
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| Laying of wreaths |
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| A large crowd - most with umbrellas |
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| Service over - Anzac Day Stewart Island |
