KEY POINTS:
The 88th anniversary of Armistice Day will be commemorated in Napier tomorrow with a historic unveiling to formally recognise the fourth arm of the Services.
With the insignias of the Army, Navy and Air Force, the plaque will also pay tribute to the merchant navy.
For Don Pye, area representative of the Merchant Navy Association, and other veterans of the service, the occasion is especially gratifying as it is taking place in the Year of the Veteran.
On Sunday, he and two other merchant navy veterans, David Blogg and Jim Blundell, will represent Hawkes Bay veterans as part of the 20-strong merchant navy contingent to parade with World War II Army, Air Force and Navy veterans in Wellington.
The Hawkes Bay group will take with them their consecrated Red Ensign.
The merchant navy was first recognised in New Zealand for its World War II service after a Christchurch veteran took that city's council to task when it baulked at having the merchant navy's ensign included on a plaque two years ago. The Service was eventually included. Wanganui and New Plymouth followed.
* Tomorrow's service will take place at the Cenotaph in Memorial Square from 10.50am. The plaque will be unveiled by Mr Pye and Mayor Barbara Arnott.
A Remembrance Day service will be held the next day at St Augustine's Church in Napier, at 9.30am.
- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY
