About 150 people, including returned servicemen and women, gathered to pay their respects to those who died serving their country. Photo / Jenny Ling
About 150 people, including returned servicemen and women, gathered to pay their respects to those who died serving their country. Photo / Jenny Ling
More than 150 people, including returned servicemen and women, turned out to pay their respects during this year’s Armistice Day commemorations in Kerikeri today.
This year marked the 107th anniversary of Armistice Day, which marked the end of World War I on November 11 in 1918.
The Kerikeri event,held at 11am at the War Memorial Wall at the Kerikeri Domain, was organised and hosted by students of Springbank School students.
The programme included a welcome, prayers by Rev Pam Harrison-Boyd, a minute of silence and reflection, speeches, the recital of the roll of honour and the Ode in te reo Māori and English, the playing of The Last Post, and wreath-laying.
James Dwyer, a Year 10 student at Springbank School, gave the main speech, which was followed by the national anthem in te reo Māori and English.
The ceremony was extra special for returned serviceman Arthur Beren, whose granddaughter Anika was one of the flag bearers in the parade.
Anika Beren and her grandfather Arthur Beren turned out for the Armistice Day commemoration in Kerikeri. Photo / Jenny Ling
Beren, who served in Vietnam, wore an array of service medals along with medals from his father, also named Arthur, who served in the Pacific war theatre during World War II.
Kerikeri RSA vice-president Kathy Nikau, an aviation fuel specialist who served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force during peacekeeping missions in East Timor and Bougainville, was pleased with the turnout.
Nikau, who moved from Wellington to Kerikeri last year, said the morning was about recognising the bravery of all those who served.
“It’s about the community and us remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and keeping our relationships with our veterans alive,” she said.
“It’s lovely for me to come home and continue to serve with our veterans and ensure they’re getting the support they need.”
Kerikeri RSA vice-president Kathy Nikau wore her medals to honour those who have served. Photo / Jenny Ling
Nearly 100,000 New Zealanders served in overseas units during World War I, which lasted from July 28, 1914, to November, 11, 1918.
Of those who served, 18,058 died and 41,317 were injured.
Springbank School students were the flag bearers at this year’s Armistice Day commemoration. Photo / Jenny Ling
A small but significant crowd turned out to mark the 107th anniversary of Armistice Day. Photo / Jenny Ling
Former Kerikeri RSA president Bill Godfrey briefs a fellow returned serviceman before the ceremony. Photo / Jenny Ling
Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading, and social issues.
