“Not as well attended as Gallipoli” says Critic’s resident American
Around 500 people of all ages attended OUSA’s ANZAC Day service, the first to be held on campus since 2019.
Held in conjunction with Te Roopū Māori and the University, the service was held in the Main Common Room, but attendee numbers meant the crowd ended up overflowing out into the foyer. Welcoming those in attendance to the service, OUSA President Michaela Waite-Harvey said: “After the events of last year, we especially value the opportunity to congregate together to remember those who fought, and to value peace.”
As an OUSA service, the experiences of Uni students and staff held a special place. Pacific Island Students Association President Melissa Lama read “A Toast to Absent Friends,” performed at the 1919 Capping Show as a tribute to the 500 students and staff who served in World War I. The Otago University Rugby Football Club read their roll of honour, sharing details of each member killed: What they studied, what team they played for, and how well they played.