Anzac Service

The names of thirty young men are read each year during our Anzac Service. Thirty young men whose lives were sacrificed for our country. Thirty old boys from McGlashan who lost the opportunity to become 'old'. Our Roll of Honour whose names echo heavily round our Chapel each year, reminding us of their service and sacrifice.

We honour and remember them and the thousands of others from Australia and New Zealand who also lost their lives. The hundreds of thousands whose lives were indelibly marked by what they experienced to protect our freedom. In class I have been sobered and encouraged to see just how many boys have known and wanted to share about their whanau's history and service.

Mr Brendan Porter summed up his message with this challenge and reminder:

"We wear poppies today to remember them.
We stand in silence so their stories live on.
And we carry their values every day—kindness, courage, and standing up for what’s right.

So, boys, as young New Zealanders, let us remember with pride.
Let us walk with strength.
Let us live with heart.

Ake ake kia kaha e.
Lest we forget.
Lest we forget.
Lest we forget."

A big thank you to Mr Brendan Porter for his message, to our Board Representatives (Geoff Burns & John Anderson), and to the boys for respectfully engaging with this occasion.