WELL, WE REMEMBERED THEM

In numbers greater than I've seen before.

I've attended many dawn parades on ANZAC day over the years but today's was the largest turnout I've seen.

Big is not necessarily better though.

The big screens detracted more than added.

The late and rather limp two helicopter flypast was an anticlimax.

Auckland Mayor's speech was OK but the man now lacks moral and political credibility.

The huge numbers made for an impersonal disconnect.

The essential function of ANZAC parades as a funeral service seemed to have been downplayed

The repeated references to god and religion in connection with the campaigns and losses is now offensive.

Over the years the ANZAC day commemorations I've attended have changed seemingly with the decades. In the 50's and early 60's there was silent patriotism along with naivety and pride. The true story wasn't really known and the day was sacred and almost magical.

In the later 60's and 70's the anti-war sentiment sparred with the still-living old soldiers' commemorations.

In the 80's and 90's people seemed to forget. Attendances were down and there was a danger of the day disappearing. Perhaps this was a reflection of the dying off of the WW1 and WW2 servicemen and servicewomen.

In the 2000's to today younger people have been inspired by their grandfather's and great-grandfather's stories and have involved their children in a celebration of the past. As a memorial day it is again alive and well but time and perhaps hype has blunted the pathos and sadness of the occasion.

In 2015 because of the significance of the centenary we have been inundated with the story of Gallipoli and other battles of WW1. This has been good particularly when presented in the form of personal stories of the men involved -the very young and frightened young men who set off for an adventure and got screwed. I hope that the education young people have received, which is far more extensive and comprehensive than people of my age ever received, will remember for the future.