Hi ,

Anzac Day! A time of remembrance of those who fought for our country to ensure our free life as it is. Along with those who made it back to Godzone, there were thousands of military people, male and female who did not. Unfortunately, wars still continue to this day in spite of the advances made in many ways throughout the world. 

In September 2019, whilst at the Rugby World Cup in Japan, my cousin David and his partner Tony, took me to Hiroshima – the site of the atomic bomb dropped during World War 2. The monumental building is an astronomical size, with astronomically horrid images of the mass destruction caused by this bomb. There are actual photos of people affected by the bomb – men, women, and children. It is horrific, no photo shopping here. Believe me, it is a horrific picture exhibition of the worst kind. We spent a good couple of hours at the Memorial Building, enough to think about why we were there. As you leave, you have an opportunity to leave a comment in the Remembrance Book. After some thought, I wrote: “It is a reality check to visit this memorial, but the disappointment is that we as a world have not learnt from the misery of wars”. I guess just one person’s opinion. 

This morning, Karen and I walked with Petone Rugby Club to the Garden of Remembrance, Memorial Park. There was the usual large crowd with a lot of young people. Various speakers with Jim Hogg, Lower Hutt RSA making all welcome, and the Mayor of Lower Hutt, Campbell Barry (WRRA Referee) doing a reading. The Last Post was played by the Hutt City Brass Band with Major Peter Fraser (Petone RFC) and Campbell Sutherland reciting the Ode of Remembrance. A very moving address by Captain Hamish Young, Royal NZ Infantry Regiment, followed. The various wreaths were laid by a number of organisations, followed by the Australian and New Zealand National Anthems. The final Benediction was delivered by Paster Andrew Baldwin, Petone Baptist Church. All in all, a very moving experience. An invitation back to Petone RFC for breakfast was taken up by a number of the crowd. Petone RFC is indeed a “Community Rugby Club”. 

A final comment about ANZAC Day. When you are out watching sport this weekend, take a moment to look at the young people playing from ages around late teens to 30s, and remind yourself how lucky we are to be watching these young people. As noted above, thousands have given their lives, many of whom never got the chance to play any sport or indeed watch families grow up around them.

LEST WE FORGET

da

This Saturday is our inaugural “Walk for Wellbeing”. It will be good to see families out for a walk with their Club colours, whatever they are. This walk also supports Youthline Wellington.

Allan G Davidson

President & Life Member