ANZAC Day

This Sunday is ANZAC Day; a very special day in both New Zealand’s history and present. I think it is important to take time to reflect and remember those who have fought and died for our country. Without them, the freedom we have in New Zealand may not exist.

It is a great time to share with the children in your programme the stories of your parents and grandparents. You can create poppies as an art activity and do some baking; making batches of ANZAC biscuits. Encourage families to attend a dawn service or an ANZAC parade in your area - it can be a rather emotional and humbling experience.

In Flanders fields the poppies grow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Lt.-Col. John McCrae (1872 – 1918)

We will remember them...lest we forget

Susannah