Chatham ANZAC

One year ago today I was on the Chatham Islands for Anzac Day on the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign. The painting above is by one of the young Chatham Islanders. Here is my post from this day last year.

The entire morning of Anzac Day on the Chatham Islands is taken with dignified commemorations. The service at dawn is followed by breakfast. Then the parade from the fire station to the hall at Norman Kirk park where the larger formal service includes prayers, hymns, formal speeches and messages, contributions of the children of Kaiangaroa and Te One schools (with poppies artwork above), and the presentation and blessing of three stones (legally) transferred from Gallipoli to Chatham Islands.

Other moments of this morning’s parade and service are recorded in the pics below.

10am assembly for Chatham Islands Anzac Day parade with Catholic Church & up the hill behind: