19 April 2004

Auckland youth to honour the fallen

The Auckland City Youth Council (ACYC) is inviting Auckland youth to take part in this year’s ANZAC commemorations in an effort to honour our ancestors and to help bridge the generation gap.

"ANZAC day is important to youth because it is our show of appreciation to our ancestors and our history. Young people should participate because it is our contribution to the elderly members and past soldiers of New Zealand," ACYC chairperson Pamela Mills says.

Ms Mills believes young people are often criticised for not expressing their gratitude for the effort and sacrifice of those before them.

“Youth need to recognise their history – the history of their country in coming together to commemorate ANZAC day, 25 April. As such, ACYC will be inviting Auckland youth to attend both the main dawn ceremony as well as those later in the day closer to home.”

The youth council recognises the often colossal gap in values and beliefs between young and old. As well as remembering their grandparents and great-grandparents, ANZAC day will be the first of many efforts by ACYC to bridge the divide between generations.

ACYC council will be attending the dawn ceremony and laying a wreath at the mid-morning ceremony. Youth council members will also be selling poppies on behalf of the Returned Services Association leading up to, and during ANZAC commemorations.

ACYC is 20 years old this year. It was established following the Queen Street riots by Dame Catherine Tizard in an effort to better hear the voice of young people. Run as part of the Auckland City Council, the group acts as youth advocates and supporters for the potential of Auckland’s population aged 12 to 24.

ENDS

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