Hamilton,New Zealand,will observe Anzac Day on Friday,april 25,2025,with services honoring the sacrifices of fallen and returned servicemen and women. The annual event provides an possibility for the community to reflect on the past significance of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) and their contributions.

Commemoration Services

Two services are scheduled at the Memorial Park Cenotaph:

• dawn Service: Commencing at 6 a.m.
• Civic Service: Following at 10 a.m.

Lance Langley, Returned and Services’ Association Chaplain, will serve as the master of ceremonies for both events. These services commemorate the anniversary of the ANZACs’ landing on Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915, a pivotal moment in both Australian and New Zealand history.

Civic Leadership Remarks

Mayor Paula Southgate will address the attendees at the civic service, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and historical continuity.It’s a time for Hamiltonians to come together and honor the bravery and sacrifice of those before us. In doing so we remember those to whom we owe so much,and we keep the history alive for our future generations. Her remarks will focus on the community’s role in preserving the legacy of service and sacrifice for future generations.

technological Enhancements and Accessibility

To ensure all attendees have a clear view and audio experiance,large screens will be strategically placed at both ends of Memorial Park. For those unable to attend in person, the services will be livestreamed on the Council’s website: hamilton.govt.nz/anzacday.This initiative aims to make the commemoration accessible to a wider audience.

Parade Details

Participants in the parades should note the following assembly points and times:

• Dawn Parade: Departs from the corner of Victoria Street and Anzac Parade at 5:50 a.m.
• Civic Parade: Assembles on the corner of Memorial Drive and Anzac Parade at 9:45 a.m.

Guest Speaker

Air Commodore Shaun Sexton of the New Zealand Defense Force will be the guest speaker at the civic service. His address is anticipated to provide insights into the ongoing significance of anzac values in contemporary defense and society.

Symbolic Installations

In keeping with tradition, Memorial Park will feature important symbolic installations:

• Poppy Display: More than 5,000 poppies will adorn the corner of Memorial Drive and Anzac Parade.
• White Crosses: the Hamilton RSA will place 350 white crosses in Memorial Park to honor Hamiltonians who died in conflict.

Youth Involvement

The tradition of remembrance continues through younger generations. Staff Sergeant Cadet Isabella Aglioti,a participant in this year’s services,shared her viewpoint: Anzac Day is a day to remember those who have fought before us for our rights and freedom that we have today,as well as those currently serving in the Defence Forces. Aglioti added, I participate in the Anzac Day service because my father was in the Defence Force, and he has shown me what a pride it is to carry this uniform on my shoulders.

Road Closures

Several road closures will be in effect around Memorial Park on Friday, April 25, to facilitate the commemorations:

• 3 a.m. – Midday: Memorial Drive (from Anzac Parade to Riro Street)
• 5 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.: Anzac Parade (from Gray Street to victoria Street)
• 5 a.m. – 7 a.m.and 9:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.: Victoria Street (from Knox Street to Anzac Parade)
• 5 a.m. – Midday: River Road / Memorial Drive (from Te Aroha Street to Anzac Parade)