LAC Tere Ngaro reports on the Commonwealth Day Service at the Wellington Cathedral of Saint Paul.
On Monday 10th March, at the Wellington Cathedral of Saint Paul, No 41 SQN Colour Party (WO Fowler, CPL Mijares, CPL Haenga-Sutton and LAC Ngaro) attended the Commonwealth Day Service alongside head boys and girls from 27 or so colleges from around the Wellington region. Before we started we all practised together, walking the flags representing the 53 countries of the Commonwealth and the Commonwealth Flag, up to the altar and back down the aisle in the church. Then we had a quick drink and snack before a final practice.
No 41 SQN was the guard for the Commonwealth Flag; we led the guests and dignitaries at a slow march (medium pace) down the Cathedral. Guests such as the Governor General, Members of Parliament, Commonwealth Diplomats, medal winning athletes etc were in attendance. The Commonwealth Flag was the first to be taken up to the altar where I handed the flag to the Dean of Wellington, the Very Reverend Digby Wilkinson. The team did a great job, and we received compliments on our drill and it was stated that “it was the best he’s seen” by Lieutenant General Tim Keating (Chief of Defence Force).
Air Vice-Marshal Kevin Short (Commander Joint Forces NZ) also commended us on our performance, as did members of the Clergy and the public.
Before heading back to T.S. Taupo, we finished the night at the Beehive where we enjoyed delicious snacks and beverages whilst talking to all the high ranking Officers, Student Representatives and others who were involved in the event.
Over-all for my first time experience of being involved in this type of event I felt nervous at first but as the event continued I began to feel more comfortable and thought this was a great experience for a lower ranked Cadet. I look forward to participating in similar events again.
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