26 April 2007
By Major Lynne Smith
ANZAC Day was commemorated in special style for CRIB 10 personnel in Bamyan.
Having been in theatre for less than two weeks, it was a privilege to share this important day with special guests.
Visitors included the Minister of Defence Phil Goff, MP Ron Mark, the New Zealand Ambassador to Iran,Afghanistan and Arabia Mr Hamish McMaster, the Chief of the NZ Defence Force Lieutenant General Mateparae, Warrant Officer of the Defence Force WO1 Barclay, the Governor of Bamyan Provence Dr Sarabi, the Commander of Task Force Cincinnatus, and others.
At 415am on a cool pre-dawn morning the PRT members assembled to await the arrival of guests. The breaking of the flags followed their arrival with the very special sight of the Turkish flag flying alongside those of the United States, Afghanistan, New Zealand and CRIB 10.
In the pre-dawn minutes respects were paid to all Service personnel with poignant words from both the Commander CRIB 10 and invited guests. Mr Hakan from the Turkish PRT remarked on the special bond of “mutual respect that has stood the test of time” between Turks and New Zealanders.
Governor Sarabi expressed the understanding Afghanis have of the loss of combatants and non-combatants in the struggle for freedom and security.
The Hon Phil Goff’s remarks were especially important to PRT members as he expressed his thanks as Defence Minister, and on behalf of all New Zealanders, for the work that is being done by Service personnel deployed on operations.
As the sun rose and the flags were lowered the local birdsong created poignant moments during a minute’s silence. It was an ANZAC Day to remember and possibly the most significant Anzac Day that PRT members will experience throughout their careers.
Ends