A special medal presentation service in Napier as part of Armistice Day yesterday was probably best summed up by one former soldier who, after being presented with his clasp, returned to his seat and was heard to say to his wife "that makes my day".
About 80 New Zealand DefenceService medals were presented to former military personnel, and to family members who received them on behalf of those who had passed away.
Many of the recipients had earned their medals through completing Compulsory Military Service, and the president of the Hawke's Bay CMT Association, Lance Hawthorne, told the gathering of about 300 people at Memorial Square of his own colourful time as a conscript in the army.
"I must admit, the discipline and life we were subject to was hard - but we were all better men for our service."
After two minutes' silence for those who had fallen in the service of their country, and a reading of the ode to commemorate the 93rd anniversary of the end of World War I, the medal presentations took place.
Army Lieutenant Colonel Peter Grant acted as Master of Ceremonies while the RSA national president Don McIver presented the medals.
Mt McIvor had earlier drawn a round of applause from the gathering when he said initially he did not think he would make it to the Bay due to national Armistice Day commemorations in Wellington. But after hearing of the special link in with the medal presentations he "decided to come here instead".
He described the New Zealand Defence Service medal as a "meritorious award" which could be worn with great pride.
The three arms of the service were represented by Lieutenant Commander Neville Smith (navy), Wing Commander Brain Blaikie (air force), and Lieutenant Colonel Peter Grant (army).
