By Lt Craig Miller
27 April 2008. NZDF Personnel in front of NZ soldier statue, ANZAC Bridge. WN-08-0048-43-tn.jpg
Monday 28 April
One of Sydney longest streaks of rain, some 12 continuous days, ended in time to provide a warm sunny Sunday morning for the dedication of the WW1 New Zealand Soldier at Anzac Bridge.
The dedication of the New Zealand Soldier came eight years after the dedication of his brother in arms, the Australian Soldier, who previously kept a lonely vigil on the western side of the bridge.
The ceremony took place on the morning of Sunday the 27th of April, just after Anzac day. The significance of the event merited the attendance by the highest levels of Government and Defence. The New Zealand Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Helen Clark and the Premier of New South Wales, the Honourable Morris Iemma represented the Governments of New Zealand and Australia and the Chiefs of both New Zealand and Australia Defence Forces also attended.
Among the approximately 300 invited guests were local dignitaries and returned service personnel from both Australia and New Zealand and a special guest was the artist who sculpted both ANZAC soldiers, Alan Somerville.
The ceremony was a fitting tribute to the ANZAC partnership, both the Prime Minister and the Premier during their speeches, remarked on the history, qualities and enduring strength of the Anzac relationship. There was a very stirring performance from the Maori and Aboriginal cultural groups. A traditional aboriginal dance interspersed with Karanga and Karakia paid tribute to the indigenous soldiers who served their country.
The Anzac guard consisted of 40 soldiers from both New Zealand and Australia, led by Major Grant Morris. The two services use different weapons and therefore different weapon drill, this however highlighted how well the two defence forces are able to work together as what could have easily been a detriment was instead used to good effect, the result was a professional well drilled unit that impressed everyone present.
Chaplains from the armies of New Zealand and Australia said prayers dedicating the statue. The Prime Minister and the Premier unveiled the NZ statue plaque and then each laid a commemorative wreath marking the occasion.
The blessing of the statue was conducted by the Chaplains following an Anzac tri-service Catafalque Guard mounting the Statues’ dias. Following a rendition of the RSL and RSA odes SGT Robinson, RNZAF, played the last post followed by a minute’s silence which was ended by an impressive flypast of an RAAF FA18 Hornet Fighter Jet.
The ceremony was concluded by the singing of both National Anthems, the departure of dignitaries and the marching off of the Guard. It was a proud day for the New Zealand Defence Force and the Returned Servicemen and Women of New Zealand and Australia.
Now anybody who finds themselves travelling across the ANZAC Bridge in Sydney will now not only see the New Zealand flag flying from the southern pillar but also a New Zealand soldier standing watch in remembrance with his ANZAC brother.
ENDS