Remembering the fallen at Armistice

Former service personnel at Saturday's Armistice Day commemorations at Kaitaia War Memorial. Photos / Mike Dinsdale

We will remember them.

And the bravery and sacrifices of those who went to war were remembered on Saturday at Armistice Day commemorations ceremonies across the country, including Kaitaia.

Korean veteran Merv Read lays a poppy at the war memorial on Saturday.

Shortly before 11am (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month) a troop of former servicemen, accompanied by senior students from Kaitaia College, marched from the Kaitaia RSA to the War Memorial to show their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of their country.

At 11am silence descended and the Last Post was played to honour and remember those lost at war.

Doug Bennetts, who served in Singapore and Malay, under the flag flying at half mast to honour the fallen.

One of those taking part was 90-year-old Selwyn Clarke, the last surviving member of the Maori battalion A Company who fought in World War II.

Mr Clarke, who fought in North Africa and Italy during the war, before doing a tour to Greece at war's end, said the event was all about honouring those people who gave their lives to defend freedom.

Selwyn Clarke, the last surviving member of the Maori battalion A Company who fought in World War II, commemorates fallen comrades.

He was pleased that young people were also taking part in the commemorations.

Another was Merv Read, who served in Korea, where his war was cut short after he was injured and came home on a stretcher.

Acting Prime Minister Kelvin Davis lays a poppy at the Kaitaia War Memorial to mark Armistice Day on Saturday.

"I was one of the lucky ones.

"Today is about remembering those who were not as lucky," he said.