Veterans: ANZAC Day more relevant than ever Before

May 6, 2021

Veterans: ANZAC Day more relevant than ever Before

Veteran Eric Wilson, about to turn 102, leads the conclusion of Howick’s ANZAC Day commemorations. Photo: Lynette Satchell

Locals gathered on Stockade Hill last Sunday for annual services remembering all New Zealanders who participated in action overseas.

Two of Howick’s senior naval veterans say ANZAC Day commemorations are more relevant now than ever before.

John Titmus, naval veteran, and now vice president of the Howick RSA, served in the Royal New Zealand Navy for over 20 years.

He says the world is more conflict-conscious than ever.

“You can go home and get instant news all the time about conflicts all around the world which you wouldn’t know about otherwise.”

New Zealand troops are currently deployed in Syria, Iraq and South Sudan.

Mr Titmus says: “ANZAC Day commemorations are a big boost to Kiwis serving overseas.

“I actually think it’s miles more important today than it was yesterday. It almost stops the nation. It usually cuts across political boundaries.”

Mike Cole, a fellow naval veteran who served for 23 years, participated in conflicts in Malaya and Borneo.

Mr Cole says: “Without the ANZACs, New Zealand could be a very different country.

“You wouldn’t have the freedoms you enjoy today - the freedoms of speech and association. The entire history of the world could’ve gone another way.”

Both veterans agree New Zealand derives its sense of national identity from wartime.

“The infamous Gallipoli campaign was the first time New Zealand was recognised as a country,” says Mr Cole.

“They went away as Cantabrians or Aucklanders and they realised in the trenches we were all one. They got a sense of identity of being New Zealanders.”

The day also reinforces the partnership Aotearoa has with Australia.

Mr Cole says New Zealanders have fought alongside our trans-Tasman neighbours throughout history.

“Basically they’re our brothers. They’re just over the ditch there. We become a stronger and better force.”

Mr Titmus says turnouts for ANZAC Day commemorations seem to be on the rise.

“What’s staggering these days is the amount of kids that show up for dawn services. It didn’t used to happen but now it’s almost a family thing.”

The day marked 106 years since the Gallipoli campaign began.

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