ANZAC Dawn Parade, Auckland, NZ 2009

A small selection from this mornings parade.

Blustery wind and forecast was for rain but were fortunate to have only light drizzle.

This commemoration was held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph.

I arrived at 5:00am (ceremony to start at 6:00am) and was surprised to see about 4000 people already on site. Total attendance was slightly down on last years parade (probably due to the weather forecast) but would have been in the vicinity of 18 000.

As is the trend in New Zealand, the commemorations are being well supported with a growing attendance annually and it is pleasing to see more & more of the younger generation showing their respects.

Lest we forget -

I like the first one

Lest we forget

These are nice Mark.
It does look like it was cold.
18K - that's a decent crowd.

I like the series. 3rd one from the end for me.

Thanks for sharing, I have a great uncle that was a Digger, and my grandfather served in the Royal Australian Navy for over 30 years. Being away from home on this day, these pictures bring me great comfort, and to add to the story my youngest son was born on ANZAC day. Thank you Diggers for all that you did, do , and sacrificed!!

Thanks for the comments folks.

No, not cold at all, a brisk breeze but temperatures around 10 degrees, so quite reasonable.

Turnout was good, however, Auckland (& environ's) is NZ's largest population base and the Museum has very large grounds. Not difficult to get to & park.

Nice series Mark, some great expressions captured.

Lest we forget.