This conversation took place at the end of a beautiful day in Whakatāne New Zealand at Willie Apiata VC's home. We spoke about Anzac Day with Willie and some of his Bro's.
We particularly spoke about the events from the Day - Saturday 23rd April 2022. The day before (22nd April) Willie Apiata VC contacted some of his Brothers and invited them to join him in getting out in the community and handing out some poppies in preparation for ANZAC Day.
They obviously ALL accepted - Hopefully this conversation helps you get a bit more of an understanding of what drives Willie to do what he does, and at the same time get a bit of an insight into some of the relationships and bonds that connect servicemen and Women and their families, regardless of where they served and/or for how long.
We have a bit of a laugh at each other expense - but to be honest the biggest laughs were had when I didn't have the camera rolling.
Kia ora Willie, Willie's Son Barton, (Willie's Mum - Mum), Hayley and her Mum, Karl or Carl 😂 Sorry bro didn't ask you how you spell your name, Aaron, and Mac.
Also BIG Thank you to the Whakatāne RSA and to the incredible and generous people of Whakatāne. Your support and generosity was simply amazing to behold.
Special thank you to Nikolao, Dion, Todd and Allan for their brief and personal messages on what Anzac Day means to them. We thank you so much for doing that. Next year we'll look to give more notice. 💯 👊
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them
We will remember them.
E kore rātou e kaumātuatia, Pēnei i a tātou kua mahue nei.
E kore hoki rātou e ngoikore Ahakoa pehea i ngā āhuatanga o te wā.
I te hekenga atu o te rā, Tae noa ki te aranga mai i te ata,
Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou
Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou.
LEST WE FORGET!
Apologies - We couldn't use "The Last Post" without breeching copyright.