The Anzac Day Dawn Parade, held yesterday morning at the cenotaph by the Ministry of Justice building, drew a large crowd of hundreds including the visiting Vietnam veterans from Aotearoa New Zealand.

Each year, the dawn parade draws a significant crowd, paying tribute to the brave servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives in defence of their nations and for peace for generations to come.

Victor 4 Company veterans Lance Corporal Geoff Dixon and Pam Miley-Terry, who served as charge nurse in Vietnam, were both honoured to lay a wreath at the cenotaph.

“It was very moving,” said Dixon, who is part of the 90-strong group visiting Rarotonga for their reunion.

Victor 4 Company veterans Lance Corporal Geoff Dixon and Pam Miley-Terry, who was a charge nurse in Vietnam, were both honoured to lay a wreath at the cenotaph. MELINA ETCHES/24042504

Dixon also noted Miley-Terry’s services to the troops in Vietnam.

“She treated a lot of us for illness and our wounds, and even when the dead came back, she looked after the dead to make sure particularly that the Māori were respected … there’s a lot of history,” he said.

Following the Anzac Parade, Tom Annas, former president of the Cook Islands Returned Services Association, reflected on those who have served at the RSA cemetery.

Tom Annas reflecting on those who have served, at the RSA cemetery following the Dawn Parade. MELINA ETCHES/24042510

“Anzac is a sad event and always brings a tear to the eye,” Annas said. “Just remembering … like these Vietnam (V4 Coy) veterans. They went away at a young age, and seven of their company were killed in Vietnam, some of the guys who have passed away were my instructors in the army.”

Annas says it has been good having the Victor 4 company here with them and they welcome service groups who visit the island.

Lieutenant-Colonel Neil Stanistreet from the Australian Defence Force attended the Dawn Parade during his first visit to the country.

“It was a beautiful service, very poignant and very humbling, in a small town, and the turnout was impressive,” said Stanistreet.

He was also impressed by the Cook Islands’ close connection to Anzac history, a fact he believes is likely unfamiliar to many Australians.

On a personal note, Stanistreet reflected not only on those who served in past generations, but also on those who served in more recent times. He acknowledged the struggles some veterans face upon returning home, and most importantly, paid tribute to the families who are always a constant source of support.

Sam Puati Samual, Cook Islands RSA vice president, Geoff Dixon, Victor 4 Company, and Pira Wichman, president of the Cook Islands RSA. MELINA ETCHES/24042512

Sam Puati Samuel, vice president of the Cook Islands RSA, signed up for the New Zealand Army in 1971 at the age of 18.

Samuel served in Singapore and Malaya for some years, and in the New Zealand Army for 25 years, 10 of which were in the Special Forces.

He reflects on Anzac Day as a time of remembrance, honouring his mates who served overseas with him and have passed away including Cook Islanders Albert Wichman and Terry Uriarau.

Jeremiah Taripo is proud to have attended the Anzac ceremony in honour of his great-grandfather Aio Taripo was in the 3rd Contingent that sailed from Rarotonga on 14 February 1918, serving in Egypt. MELINA ETCHES/24042519

Jeremiah Taripo, was proud to attend the Anzac ceremony in honour of his great-grandfather Aio Taripo. Aio was in the third contingent that sailed from Rarotonga on February 14, 1918, serving in Egypt.

“I’m here because I’m proud of the service of my great grandpa, and this is a time to remember him,” said Jeremiah.

After the Dawn Service, the annual Gunfire Breakfast was served at the RSA assisted by the Cook Islands Girl Guides Association.