About 1000 people gathered in the sun in front of the University of Otago's much-photographed clocktower for the inaugural Otago University Students Association (OUSA) Anzac service yesterday afternoon.
Students, university staff and their families were welcomed by a lone piper before the service was started by the firing of a howitzer at 1.30pm.
OUSA president Logan Edgar opened the service by saying Anzac Day represented an opportunity to learn from past mistakes.
After Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull and University of Otago vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne shared readings, Lieutenant-colonel Mike Hunter gave the Anzac address, speaking about his time as a doctor in the military and his days as a student, when he struggled with pacifist ideals and serving as a soldier.
"In the end, I could not accept pacifism. I could not stand idly by and allow an unjust tyrannous and cruel aggressor injure, damage or oppress those I loved or lived alongside," Lt-col Hunter said.
He went on to say university students had a responsibility to question politicians when they made the decision to go to war, so any sacrifices by serving soldiers were made for a worthy cause.
After the service, Mr Edgar said he was happy with yesterday's turnout.
"I would love to think that in 20 years' time I can look back and my university days will be long gone, but the service will still be around."
