Armistice Day marked at Kaitaia RSA

Josh Pahl and Sydnee Archer present a wreath on behalf of Kaitaia College during the Armistice Day commemorations at the Kaitaia RSA on Monday. Photo / Supplied

A small gathering attended the traditional Armistice Day commemoration at the Far North RSA in Kaitaia on Monday morning after pouring rain forced organisers to change the event from its traditional venue at the town cenotaph across the road.

Once parade marshall Russell Hockley had organised his lines, a minute's silence was observed before Angel Erstich introduced local pastor Graeme Baucke who offered a prayer and reminded everyone the occasion was about honouring the memories of those who lost their lives or were wounded fighting in World War I from 1914 to 1918.

Mr Baucke noted that while Armistice Day commemoration was a sombre time to reflect it also represented a day of great joy and celebration in marking the end of a conflict known as the Great War.

"Armistice Day marks the 101st anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I and commemorates the sacrifice of those who died serving New Zealand in this and all wars and armed conflict," Mr Baucke said.

"The Great War of 1914-1918 was one of the most devastating events in human history. New Zealand, with a population of 1.1 million in 1914, sent 100,000 men and women abroad. 16,700 died and over 40,000 were wounded. [New Zealand had] the highest casualty rate of any country involved.

"The coming of peace on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 brought blessed relief for all involved.

"On Armistice Day 1918, New Zealand had 58,129 troops in the field, while an additional 10,000 were under training on home soil. In total, the troops provided for foreign service by New Zealand during the war represented 10 per cent of the 1914 population aged between 20 and 45."

"We also remember those who have since sacrificed their lives in World War II, Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iran and the many other places throughout the world where our Defence Forces have been committed to the never-ending fight for peace, freedom and justice for all."

Mr Baucke also asked everyone to reflect on a past time when all the town bells rang to celebrate the end of the Great War and what the noise and tumult would have been like.

Following the address, wreaths were laid by various parties including Kaitaia College, the women's section of the Far North RSA and Harry Albert on behalf of all returned servicemen and the Whiskey 1 Company, before the haunting refrain of the Last Post was played over the sound system.