Today’s Battleground (Press, 26 April 1980)
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Summary: Today’s Battleground (Press, 26 April 1980)
On 26 April 1980, approximately 3000 people gathered in Auckland for the dawn parade at the Cenotaph, where the Very Rev. Dr A. A. Brash delivered the Anzac Day address. He drew attention to the modern battles faced by society, arguing that the true conflict had shifted from historical battlefields like Anzac Cove to the pursuit of a higher standard of living. Dr Brash contended that it was the collective responsibility of the people, not just governments, to advocate for peace, highlighting that the conflict surrounding Middle Eastern oil stemmed from everyday demands such as the desire for individual car use. Dr Brash also criticised the excessive global spending on arms, suggesting that peace was attainable if society exhibited the courage and skill to pursue it. The dedication of the ceremony was provided by Brigadier R. D. Park, a former commander of New Zealand forces in Korea. However, the service faced disruption from a lesbian group that made loud remarks, though they eventually left of their own accord. In Wellington, the Governor-General Sir Keith Holyoake addressed a smaller gathering of around 400 at the Anzac Day service. Despite this increase in spectators compared to previous years, the number of marchers decreased. A poignant remark from a former New Zealand rifleman, Mr Walter Crowther, encapsulated the sentiment of the day with his comment about the dwindling number of veterans: “I can’t find anyone, they’re all dead.” As the solemn notes of the Last Post reverberated, a women’s protest group was heard chanting lines expressing their anger and solidarity: “Women died. We care. Women were raped. We are angry.” This juxtaposition of remembrance and social protest dominated the commemorative atmosphere, reflecting the evolving nature of Anzac Day in New Zealand society.
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