Remembrance and commemoration to be the focus of lieutenant colonel’s Albany Anzac Day dawn service address

Lt-Col Chris Kelly admits it has been a steep learning curve brushing up on Albany’s connection to the Anzac legacy, but says he is honoured to deliver the keynote address at this year’s dawn service.

With more than three decades of experience in the New Zealand Defence Force, Lt-Col Kelly has spoken at several services but says he still always gets a “jingle” of nerves when addressing the large crowds gathered on the solemn occasion.

“The significance of the day for both Australians and New Zealanders makes it all the more daunting,” he said.

“I hope to do a good job and to speak some words that resonate with veterans, serving personnel and the wider Albany community alike.”

Lt-Col Kelly started in New Zealand’s reserve force before he was commissioned into the Royal New Artillery in 1995.

I think it is mostly about the people; meeting them for the first time, hearing their stories, the connections to the spirit of Anzac and our shared military history. People make the experience come alive more than anything.

During his career, he has been deployed twice for operations in Timor-Leste and three times to Afghanistan.

He and his wife have spent the last four years in Australia after being posted to Brisbane and now Canberra, and have recently applied to become Australian citizens.

On Thursday morning, as the sun rises over the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial on Mt Clarence, Lt-Col Kelly’s keynote address will focus on remembrance.

He said it would be a commemoration of “the feats and sacrifices of those who went before us, in all conflicts in which Australia and New Zealand have taken part”.

“I’ll acknowledge the sacrifices made by families too, and, of course, there’ll be a nod to the association between Albany and the first contingents of Anzacs,” he said.

For Lt-Col Kelly, Anzac Day has always been a solemn day of reflection when he spends time thinking about the past, those he has served with, and his late grandfather.

“(He) served in the Royal Navy in both World Wars but hardly ever talked about the experience — I’ll be wearing his medals on the day too,” he said.

“I usually endeavour to spend quiet time with my family if I can. Unfortunately my wife won’t be able to accompany me to WA this year . . . hopefully we can come back out to Albany next year.”

Lt-Col Kelly said he was looking forward to his first visit to Albany and had been told the National Anzac Centre was a must-visit while he was here, but he was also looking forward to meeting people.

“I think it is mostly about the people; meeting them for the first time, hearing their stories, the connections to the spirit of Anzac and our shared military history,” he said.

“People make the experience come alive more than anything.”