nzvia

For the first time, a NZ Veteran was officially invited to the Kemspey ANZAC service. On behalf of NZ Veterans in AU, Jim Dove accepted the invitation and can I just say that he was treated like royalty.

Jim describes the service to Brian Meyer as follows:

A very successful day indeed. We (Mary my wife) and I arrived in Kempsey lunchtime Saturday. Whilst eating I read a copy of the local paper. there looking at me was me (picture above). We were booked into a motel arranged and paid for by the President of the Kempsey RSL Terry Hunt. That evening we were taken out to dinner. We attended the dawn service ,I made a brief speech, that is about five minutes dedicated to the Kiwis at Gallipoli. After the dawn service we were taken to a local restaurant for breakfast. Assembled at 10.10am for the march of about one Km. I was made guest of honour, positioned as right marker and led the parade. On arrival at the cenotaph I joined the official party. Terry Hunt read the Epilogue, after the hymns I was asked to make the Commemoration address. I made my speech, it was well received. I dedicated this speech to the NZ part of ANZAC. The wreath laying ceremony was carried out after the speech. After the ANZAC service the Diggers marched (with band) back over the bridge to the RSL where we were dismissed and taken to lunch. At lunch we were the guests of honour and sat next to the president at the official table. We received "Honoured Guests" treatment for the whole of our stay. Terry Hunt and even the general public were dead keen to hear about the NZ part of ANZAC, I am surprised at the number of people who did not know about the Kiwi part of ANZAC. It must have gone well because I have been asked for copies of both speeches. Many thanks again for asking me to do the honours, for it was an honour indeed.

Kindest regards

Jim Dove

Jim Dove Newspaper Article

Jim Dove's Speech at Kemspet ANZAC Dawn Service