Anzac day fell this year on a Sunday and so with a full church and full hearts we remembered those who gave their lives in war that we might live in peace and freedom.

We were privileged this year to have a number of contributions from young people of our community. Our three speakers were students from local schools: Henry Murfitt, head boy of Medbury School; Letitia Hill from Girls' High and Thomas Tracey from Boys' High. They all spoke movingly of members of their families who served in times of war. They posed thoughtful questions to the Anzacs who fought for us, and also challenged us with the wisdom and questions those same Anzacs might have put before us today. 

The story shared with all ages was The Anzac Violin by Jennifer Beck, about Alexander Aitken's violin that went all the way to Gallipoli and back to NZ. We found that Marjorie Smart was related to Alexander Aitken! It was a great joy to have Rose Light, parishioner and violinist to play poignant melodies before the service, and to play the Last Post and Reveille with great sensitivity.

A large choir sang the beautiful 'In Flanders Fields' while we placed poppies in memory and thanksgiving. Bill Black read the poem written in response to 'In Flanders Fields' fittingly called 'We shall keep the faith'.

The Rolls of Honour were read, naming all those who gave their lives in WW1 and WW2 from the Fendalton community. The Ode to the Fallen was recited; we sang the National Anthem. Scriptures of hope and comfort were read, and we sang hymns, enjoying the great tunes of Jerusalem and the Dambusters, but also being challenged by the words of New Zealander Shirley Murray's modern hymn 'Honour the dead' which remembers all who fought or did not fight in war, but served in other ways. 

All this to a backdrop of beautiful floral arrangements with poppies, candles, and small white crosses, and our memorial stained glass windows telling their stories. Thank you to all who contributed to an Anzac service befitting our memorial church.