From the Mayor

ANZAC Day this year was a very special day indeed.  Not only did people turn out in their thousands across the country to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli but the weather contributed to the memorable event by being absolutely perfect.  South Wairarapa was no exception with record numbers at all services across the district.
 
It was obvious from the huge crowds that a great many New Zealanders thought the occasion significant enough to give up part of their Saturday morning to remember those that paid the ultimate sacrifice. 
 
The sad thing is that the slaughter at Gallipoli was just the start for New Zealand.  It was the beginning of three long years that saw lives lost and families destroyed.  The number of dead, although horrific, pales in comparison with the death toll in France and Belgium that was to follow.
 
It is fitting that we remember this conflict and every other that has claimed the lives of Kiwis serving in the Armed Forces.  It should however always be a commemoration and never a celebration as there is no glory in war. 
 
One hundred years is a long time but death is forever.  As the Ode of Remembrance says “they shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old”.