ANZAC commemorations continue in London   27 Apr 2014

Charlotte Everett

Following the dawn service, ANZAC continued to be marked in London with a number of other services and commemorations throughout the day.

Despite ANZAC Day not being a public holiday in Britain, large numbers continued to turn out for the wreath-laying at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, and the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. Both were ticketed events – free of charge, but needed to be obtained in advance.

Proceedings at the Cenotaph opened with a parade march, led by the Band of the Blues and Royals. Military personnel, veterans and family members from both the New Zealand and Australian forces were included, as well as British forces – and the Chelsea Pensioners.

Reverend Canon Dr John Cullen began the service with a two-minute reflection. In his address, he remarked on not only what this commemoration means for the two ANZAC nations, but also paid respect to the toll of other nations involved – “whether friends or foes” – and commended how countries from both sides of World War 1 now stand united under the UN, working to resolve things peacefully, with courage and perseverance.

The wreath-laying commenced with the first wreaths laid jointly by the New Zealand and Australian High Commissioners, Rt Hon Sir Lockwood Smith and Hon Mike Rann. Wreaths were then laid by the Heads of the New Zealand and Australian Defence Staffs, Returned Services and other Armed Services and Governmental divisions or organisations. Representatives from Britain, Turkey, Malta, Ireland, Canada, Tonga, Belgium, France, India and Sri Lanka also laid wreaths.

Shortly following the service at the Cenotaph, the service at Westminster Abbey commenced. Numerous VIPs were in attendance, including the Lord Mayor of Westminster and His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester. The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster, opened with a sombre Bidding. The hour-long service included a number of prayers, hymns and readings – including readings from both the New Zealand and Australian High Commissioners. Ahmet Unal Cevikoz, Ambassador of Turkey, gave the following reading:

“Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives... you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours... You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well. (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, 1881-1938)

Wreaths were laid by the New Zealand and Australian High Commissioners at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior. Ngati Ranana, the London Maori Club, led the congregation in the hymn, “How Great Thou Art”.

Concluding the service at Westminster Abbey, more informal commemorations commenced. The New Zealand Society of the UK held their annual commemorative drinks reception in the penthouse of the New Zealand High Commission, giving an opportunity to those who had had to work during the day the chance to commemorate ANZAC Day in the evening. Despite the event being hosted on a Friday night this year, it was a sell-out, with well over 100 people in attendance. NZ Society President Tania Bearsley gave a sombre and moving address, followed by an address from the NZ Studies Network who are conducting a conference about all aspects of New Zealand and the First World War later in the year. They gave three emotionally-charged readings of First World War poetry, before the Last Post from Bugler Ellie Lovegrove. The evening then took a lighter turn, with music from Michelle Nadia, Kiwi-themed canapés served by Escense Catering, and a number of New Zealand beers, wines and ciders on offer.

Throughout the day, from both commemorations in the morning, and at the going down of the sun, New Zealanders and Australians in London came out in large numbers to remember our ANZACs. Overall it was a day of unity, remembrance, and above all – the resonating vibe of camaraderie and the ANZAC spirit.

Lest We Forget.

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