The crowd at the Dannevirke Cenotaph for the Armistice Day remembrance.
The crowd at the Dannevirke Cenotaph for the Armistice Day remembrance.
With the ranks of old soldiers diminishing, it was vitally important generations now and in the future took the time to remember, Dannevirke's Tom Castles said at Monday's Armistice Day ceremony.
Members of the RSA were joined by staff and children from four schools and public representatives at the Cenotaphfor the brief service, with Mr Castles leading the prayers of remembrance.
Lowering the flag are RSA members John Ross (left) and Ralph Adrian.
"My grandfather fought in the trenches in World War 1 and had health problems all his life, as a result of the gas, as did thousands of others who faced the horrors of the trenches," he said. "Today we can only read of the atrocious conditions our soldiers went through to protect the freedom we sometimes take for granted. While war is abhorrent, the belief the world must stand up to tyranny and protect freedom was the driving force for that commitment all those years ago.
"Let's hope this particular part of our history is never repeated and we always remember the sacrifices of those brave soldiers to ensure we enjoy today. While that horrific war seems so long ago, it's so important we pay tribute to all those who lost their lives and those who suffered. We should remember them with kindness and compassion."
Five-year-old Ronganui Goddard of Te Kura Kaupapa, with Riria Arapere at the Cenotaph after Monday's Armistice Day remembrance.
Former seaman and RSA member Bill Ingram says it isn't the number of people who turn out for Armistice Day, but the fact we remember.
Pupils from St Joseph's School, Totara College and Huia Range School placed wreaths on the cenotaph, while pupils from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Tamaki Nui-A-Rua sang a waiata at the conclusion of the service.
"It's important we make an effort to remember," principal Tina Todd said.
Monday's commemoration was the 95th anniversary of the end of World War I and recognises the day the Allies signed an armistice with Germany, ending hostilities on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
