Parade to honour World War II veterans

A parade in Auckland tomorrow to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Allied victories in Europe and Japan will also pay tribute to those who took part in the Battle of Britain in 1940.

World War II veterans and personnel from the armed forces, police, cadet forces and the Fire Service will march up Queen St, led by a Royal Guard of Honour.

The parade begins at 12.30pm at the corner of Queen and Fort Sts. The veterans will join in at the Wellesley St corner, with those unable to walk riding in vintage military vehicles.

Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright will inspect the guard of honour and other participants, and then the parade will continue up Queen St to turn right into Mayoral Drive, about-turn at Greys Ave and back to Queen St, finishing at Mayoral Drive via Wellesley St West about 1.30pm.

Bands from the Air Force and Navy, with the Police and Artillery Bands, will accompany the procession.

Refreshments will be served in Aotea Square and the defence forces and police dogs and handlers will put on displays.

Queen St will be closed to traffic between Fort and Customs Sts up to Mayoral Drive from 11.30am to 2pm.