As a recent member of the armed forces Tremaine Te Kira says it is very moving to see so many people make the effort to attend the Dawn Service in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon
For Christchurch man Tremaine Te Kira, Anzac Day is a day not just to remember those lost in the past, but also recent friends and colleagues.
He was one of thousands who attended the dawn service in Christchurch's Cathedral Square.
Te Kira said his grandfathers served in World War II, one in the 28th Māori Battalion, and the other as a Royal Marine.
He followed their footsteps into the military where he was part of the 2nd /1st Battalion and served in East Timor and the Solomon Islands.
Te Kira said he has lost friends overseas in operations and in private security, and they are the reason he and his family make a point of coming along to the Anzac Day ceremony.
Te Kira, who is no longer in the military, said he was amazed at how many people attended the event in Christchurch, but said it was a sign of the strong connections between the armed forces and the wider public.
"I think it is still important today, there are lots of things happening around the world, so it's always good to have that training or background in case the worst of the worst happens. But hopefully, we never go there."
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