Newmarket Honours Anzac Day Tradition

Wednesday, 13 April 2011

Newmarket Honours Anzac Day Tradition

Newmarket Business Association head, Ashley Church, is calling on community organisations to develop new ways to carry forward the Anzac Day tradition as the RSA is forced to rationalise its activities in the coming years.

Mr Church says that the RSA is being increasingly forced to prioritise its activities as its membership and funding sources reduce and he believes that this will put pressure on the group's ability to maintain an Anzac Day presence in communities throughout New Zealand.

"The RSA has done a fantastic job of maintaining this nation-building tradition in towns and cities the length and breadth of this country - but we need to recognise that they can't continue forever and that it's time for a new generation of kiwis to carry the torch forward".

The Newmarket Business Association has already taken up this challenge after the Auckland District RSA closed their Newmarket branch 3 years ago, following the sale of their Newmarket Clubrooms. The Association stepped in and has cooperated with the RSA, ever since, to host the event each year.

"We're totally committed to working with the RSA to keep the parade going. Our forebears went to tremendous trouble and expense to create a War Memorial in Olympic Park to commemorate those who marched down Broadway before heading overseas - many never to return. We have a sacred obligation to continue to honour these young men who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country".

The Newmarket Anzac Day Parade down Broadway will start at 9.45am - but members of the public are being asked to gather in Teed Street at 9.30. The Parade will then make its way down Broadway, led by the Auckland Pipe Band, and will arrive at Olympic Park, near the Broadway roundabout, in time for a 10am service.

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