TRAVEL DIARY

A weblog regularly updated by Jodi Rose.

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

10:07 AM
Posted by jodi rose

I keep thinking that one day I will awake refreshed and filled with energy but something about the combination of fresh mountain air, rich food and constant visitors has left me shipwrecked with exhaustion.

The weekend ceremony and celebration was a roaring success, hundreds of people came through the house which is now the Kaipororo Musuem, with the memorial dedication on sunday a surprisingly moving event. Over 250 people attended, the Minister for Veterans Affairs promised to pass on the high level of interest and support to those higher-up, and gave a very affecting speech about how touched he was to see the community so involved in this memorial. Major McColl opened the event, with a military formation who stood in the 'memorial' position on the bridge, guns down, head bowed for the duration. After his introduction, he invited each of the families descended from the soldiers who died in the two wars to come and lay tributes on the bridge beneath the plaque. By the end there was quite a crowd assembled, it was sobering to reflect on the effect of war and the loss of these people still felt throughout the years. The Major also pointed out in conversation that while peace activists may have mixed feelings about celebrating those named on the bridge, it was not soldiers who made wars, but politicians. Indeed - and Bush seems intent on creating another insane conflict with Iran, with as little justification as the last.... has he learnt nothing? Evidently not.

Anyway, back to the tiny concrete bridge over the Mahakiki river in Kaiparoro, which on sunday was blessed by an hour of sunshine during the ceremony, in a weekend of squally storms and filthy weather.
The kids who came along to take part in the performance had a great time rehearsing on saturday, up in the attic which was originally the clockmakers studio and has a fabulous secret playarea under the eaves. We made human bridges (happy swing bridge everyone!) and practiced ringing (and not-ringing) the series of bells, holding the ribbons and dancing or twirling over the bridge. In the event, some of these kids were sick and couldn't make it, so I recruited a couple of random girls (one of whom was someone's neice, they were very touched to see her up there holding the ribbon) and two of the young soldiers, along with sally and pam who are family members descended from the bridge builder (I think). We started with the kids walking single file onto the bridge - each concentrating very hard on not letting their bell ring - then I directed them to ring and stop along the line, and all together. After that we had a little kerfuffle getting the ribbons in place, but eventually had all five stretched across the bridge, and then Ursula cut the ribbons - they symbolised each of the five countries where the soldier's are buried. She is the granddaughter of the woman who originally cut the ribbon to open the bridge, and had the scissors and samples of the ribbon which Kay matched for this purpose. After they were all cut, the kids, soldiers and adults ran to the side of the bridge and fluttered them over, making a kind of ship leaving into the future. A few people commented on the music, saying they enjoyed hearing the different places - I was just glad they could hear it, and got something from it - and I had a lot of fun incorporating the cows (who sounded a lot like the Turkish woodwind instrument) and traffic into the piece.

Then all the speeches (3 minutes each, very economical), a Maori hymn sung on the eve of the 28th Battalion leaving, and finally the Anzac prayer... they shall not grow old, as we who are left grow old.
So even though I'm vehemently opposed to war and don't believe it benefits anyone except arms dealers and afore-mentioned politicians, I was very touched to be part of this community ceremony and to honor the memory of the young people who gave their lives to serve their country and fight for freedom. Whatever that really means.
Also it had a lovely circularity for me, as the first bridge I ever recorded was later re-named the Anzac Bridge.

After the bridge memorial was finished, most people came back to the house for afternoon tea, chatting and mingling - over 150 of them and it didn't feel crowded. Enjoyed talking with lots of the 'oldies' (you have to be over 70 to qualify!) had plenty of laughter and interesting stories from people who are engaged, lively, and taking active roles in their community and family life. Ok, I was a little harsh before - I guess alzheimers, dementia, stroke and other illness can be an 'excuse' for becoming disengaged - but it's so much more to do with your spirit and intention than level of physical health or mental acuity.

Now I have made some great connections here, and will have to come back! It's time for my spirit to get some sunshine and excercise. Perfect timing, Jody P. just arrived at the door on her way to have lunch with a friend, and will take me to the wildlife sanctuary up the road, that happens to be where she's going. Leaving for wellington tomorrow morning and then akaroa for the wedding of the century!!