In a poignant display of remembrance and unity, more than 1000 residents and visitors gathered at the cenotaph in Avarua at dawn, on the 110th ANZAC Day to honour the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.

The annual event, marked by solemn ceremonies and sincere tributes, brought together people of all ages including the uniform organisations to reflect on the courage and dedication of those who served in conflicts around the world.

The weather played out for the service when light rain throughout the night dropped as the Dawn Parade and service began.

Notably, the Dawn Service was quicker than usual, with the absence of a keynote speaker address this year.

Rarotonga’s ANZAC DAY dawn service was hosted by the Government of the Cook Islands and the Cook Islands Returned Services Association (RSA).

After the Dawn parade the family of veteran Tetuanui (Fariu) Arapari (September 23, 1900 – July 18, 1983) gathered at the RSA Cemetery for his commemorative service. Arapari served in the 3rd Contingent  in World War I.

The RSA clubroom in Nikao was kept busy serving a hearty Gunfire breakfast was enjoyed by local and visiting servicemen and women, with the Rarotonga Girl Guides helping out.

RSA president, Pira Wichman was pleased with the turn out in the morning including the attendance of both the New Zealand and Australian High Commissioners.

“ANZAC Day is a day of remembrance… some of the soldiers who went to war were quite young and some never came home, hence we are here today, to pay tribute and to honour them,” said Wichman.

In a special RSA occasion, Wichman  presented two Life Membership Awards to two RSA Executive Committee members – Gail Eraio and Wayne Barclay.

“This doesn’t happen very often, we only have two other Life Members – Denis Dwayne and Henry Wichman, so with Gail and Wayne they make up four,” said Wichman. 

Eraio has been a member of the RSA for 15 years since she came to Rarotonga in 2010, and secretary for the last seven to eight years.

 “It is an absolute honour it really is… you know you do stuff because you just do it,” she said feeling quite self-conscious.

“And its recognition of the fact that Europeans can be of assistance in the local community - people treat you the same and we are all the same,” Eraio added.

Barclay has been a member for around 10 years. “I feel honoured and quite proud,” we’ve had a good crowd this year,” he said.

Following the Life Member awards the special unveiling of a stunning ANZAC art piece commissioned by the former president of the RSA, Tom Annas and painted by local artist Ashley Chaloner, was revealed.

The audience were appreciative of the bold and grabbing poppies, and the art work.

“It was an honour to contribute to such a significant occasion that holds deep importance for our community. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and hope the message within the mural resonates with those who took part in the remembrance,” says Chaloner.

“It is very beautiful,” said Annas who explained that the inspiration for the piece actually came from Aotearoa New Zealand Lieutenant Commander Mark Te Kani who was the former Cook Islands Police Maritime Surveillance Advisor.

Annas says three years ago Te Kani noticed the club's plain Sky dish from the balcony “and he thought it would be nice to have it painted with poppies… and here we are…”

The Cook Islands former Chief Pharmacist Andrew Orange, and his wife Dianne arrived on Wednesday from New Zealand especially for ANZAC Day.

“It’s an honour to be involved in the ANZAC Day ceremonies especially in the Cook Islands - a special place, it’s just fantastic to be able to contribute,” said Orange, who played the Highland Bagpipes at yesterday’s Dawn Service, and at every other Dawn Service and RSA service when he was living in Rarotonga for the past eight years.