Combined Services remember the fallen

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM: Returned serviceman Les Watson was one of three Air Force, Navy and Army representatives who laid wreaths at the Combined Services Day commemorations at the Gisborne RSA yesterday. Pictures by Liam Clayton

A FLY-past of a biplane and fixed-wing aircraft marked the opening of a combined military services commemoration service at the Gisborne RSA today.

Held on the nearest Sunday to Armistice Day, Combined Services Day brings together Air Force, Navy and Army veterans and supporters to remember the fallen.

"It was right and proper to go overseas to fight, but the cost was too high," said Salvation Army padre, Lieutenant David McEwen.

In an ironic touch, Lieutenant McEwen's prayer for peace was momentarily drowned out unintentionally by a motorcyclist wearing a replica World War 2 German army helmet.

Gisborne Returned Services Association president Ben Tahata and Air Force, Navy and Army representatives laid wreaths and Lieutenant McEwen read from the Book of James.

There are two kinds of wisdom, he said. Wisdom from a heart that harbours envy and selfish ambition is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."

Guest speaker Mayor Meng Foon acknowledged the Air Force, Army and Navy days which have been replaced with Combined Services Day.

"Each of these days were significant commemorations. We will remember them in our Combined Services Days at the RSA."

Trumpeter Doug Cooper played the Last Post and Reveille. John Coleman read in Maori the vow to remember the fallen and Paul Bayly delivered the same ode in English. The commemoration ceremony was accompanied by the Gisborne Civic Brass Band and Gisborne Highland Pipe Band.