War forged special link between Belgium and New Zealand

Andrew King, David Bennett, Willie Apiata and Peter Bos unveiling the plaques. Photo: Tom Rowland

One hundred years after the battle of Ypres, the graves of those who fell bravely defending the Belgian city are still being looked after by local residents.

On Sunday in Hamilton more than 100 people attended the unveiling of the Hamilton and Ypres memorial plaques in the Ypres Memorial Garden in Memorial Park.

They heard stories from the past, messages for the future and united in silence to remember those who fell during the Battles of Ypres in World War I.

Hamilton Mayor Andrew King spoke about the effort behind the memorial project, outlining Peter Bos's contribution and determination to the project.

Former Hamilton city councillor Peter Bos has been a strong supporter of the memorial and initiated the friendships between the cities of Hamilton and Ypres.

Mayor King praised the city of Ypres and the special bond between them and Hamilton.
"[The memorial] will be a symbol of friendship and goodwill between the two cities," King said.

Minister of Veterans' Affairs and MP for Hamilton East David Bennett was also in attendance, along with several Hamilton City Councillors and other MPs.

Bennett thanked the Hamilton mayor for his support of the project while also praising Bos, who had been the catalyst for a number of remembrance events.

The minister stated that the memorial will serve as a fitting tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in Belgium.

"This memorial is a place to remember the freedom that we have today that those soldiers fought for," Bennett said.

"Hamilton should be proud to have this garden."

As two army cadets held the flags of both New Zealand and Belgium, Bennett, King, Victoria Cross recipient Corporal Willie Apiata and Bos unveiled the plaques.

The plaques read "Honouring our sacrifice daily" and "We both gave so much" accompanied by the musical notes of The Last Post etched into the plaque.

The bugle call was played to those in attendances, where just under 19,000km away, the same call is played every night at 8pm at the Menen gates in the town of Ypres.