Halcombe Community ANZAC Day Commemorations
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Coordinated by the ANZAC Committee (a sub-committee of the HCDG), the traditional ANZAC Day Commemoration is a mid-morning ceremony on 25th April, beginning with a parade from the Halcombe School Memorial Gates down into the village, followed by a formal ANZAC service at the Halcombe War Memorial, and concluding with a community morning tea in the Memorial Hall.
The small village community of Halcombe supports the event through annual fundraisers, making and selling ANZAC poppies and wreaths, decorating the village centre and hall, setting up a collection of war memorabilia, being re-enactors in full costume (soldiers, cavalry, and nurses), and volunteering on the day. Comment from Wayne Short, Chairman of the ANZAC Committee: "The Halcombe ANZAC Day services are not your typical ANZAC Day event! Our passionate committee’s enthusiasm is evident with the growing number of attendees each year as the news of the event is shared. Every year the committee has added something new and different to add interest, and the numbers attending have now increased to over 800, and with our promotion of the event we see people travelling from afar to attend and share their stories of local loved ones that lost their lives in World War 1. The event brings our community together and empowers residents to be connected and engaged. It also assists our community to understand the history that formed our district. Over the last five years, marking the 100th anniversary of World War 1, the committee has really put their mark on the Halcombe service and show that ANZAC Day services can be unique and special." |
ANZAC Day 2020 - An Online Service
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Due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the 2020 Halcombe ANZAC Day Service was presented online.
Halcombe community members were invited to be part of the event by sharing their ANZAC messages & videos. View the full ANZAC Service and our community contributions at our 2020 ANZAC Day webpage. |
ANZAC Day 2019 - The Homecoming
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The 2019 ANZAC Day was a significant event for our community and a huge success. Visit our ANZAC Day 2019 webpage for reports of the day and a gallery of photos.
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Poppies for ANZAC Day
Read about the significance of ANZAC poppies as a flower of remembrance and the role that poppies play in the Halcombe ANZAC Day Commemorations.
Our Soldiers' Stories
We have an archive that provides a place for community members to record their family stories about local soldiers, their service and their return home, and the impact that war had on families in Halcombe and in the wider area.
RSA
"Remembrance acknowledges the personal courage and sacrifice of those who are engaged in military and police service by activities designed to highlight and honour their commitment. The RSA works with all branches of government and communities, to ensure remembrance covers all service and conflicts." Visit RSA.org.nz for more information.
ANZAC Day History (NZ Defence Force)
Visit army.mil.nz for a detailed history of ANZAC Day in New Zealand. Read "The Ode", learn more about the significance of poppies at ANZAC Day, and get a great recipe for ANZAC biscuits!
