While thousands of New Zealand and Australian solders gave the ultimate sacrifice to war, those same numbers attended Anzac Day around the country yesterday to remember them.

In Alexandra, the service began with a march up Tarbert Street and was followed by a three-shot salute from the 25-pounder cannon, which boomed through the crowd.

Salvation Army Captain Jonny Whybrow and Army Major Duncan McEwan both spoke at the service, paying tribute to the Anzac spirit, which attracted a huge cross section of people.

McEwan spoke of New Zealand’s long history contributing to peace keeping missions and said the system was under an acute strain, cautioning the world was more dangerous than it has ever been.

He acknowledged the families supporting those serving overseas who were not always recognised, and thanked them for their burden.

Community leaders were invited to lay a wreath around the monument and traffic almost quietened around the roundabout behind as Christine Wright played ‘The Last Post.’

Out at Chatto Creek, Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley spoke at an emotionally charged inaugural Alexandra-Clyde RSA service in the afternoon, where the cannon was fired by former publican Lesley Middlemass.

Lesley said being given the honour of firing the cannon made her feel “like the Queen,” and she was deeply grateful for the opportunity.

Leslie Middlemass with Kay Hayes, RSA Welfare Officer

From Left: Hélène Legay, Chief Petty Officer of the French Navy, also addressed those gathered at the Clyde dawn service. Local Alexandra Fire Brigade members Grant Carey and Stéphane Legay

From pre-dawn to late-afternoon salutes, Central Otago joined thousands across New Zealand and Australia marking the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. Nationally, attendance mirrored pre-pandemic highs, underlining that Anzac Day remains “the day New Zealand truly stands still,” as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said from Gallipoli.

As the echoes of the final gun faded over Chatto Creek, families lingered to share stories, proof that, 110 years on, the legacy of service continues to unite a district carved by rivers, valleys and the memories of those who never came home.

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