The 100-gun salute booms out over Wellington Harbour yesterday. Photo / AFP
The 100-gun salute booms out over Wellington Harbour yesterday. Photo / AFP
One hundred gun shots echoed over Wellington yesterday morning marking the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I.
In 1914, Britain's proclamation of war from King George V was read by the Governor-General, Lord Liverpool, to thousands in Parliament Grounds. Yesterday, politicians and dignitaries lined the steps ofParliament as the document was read again by radio broadcaster Hewitt Humphrey.
In a reminder of the more than 18,000 New Zealand troops killed in the war, 100 white crosses bearing names of fallen soldiers were placed on the Field of Remembrance Trust's field on Parliament's lawn. New Zealand flags were lowered to half mast by members of the Defence Force, dressed in replica WWI uniforms, as the Last Post was played.
Prime Minister John Key said New Zealand's commitment was not limited to soldiers; doctors, nurses, sailors and tunnellers all served overseas.
New Zealand was the first country to mark the centenary. Governor-General Lieutenant-General Sir Jerry Mateparae will represent the nation at the Commonwealth ceremony at Glasgow Cathedral. New Zealand High Commissioner Lockwood Smith will attend a vigil at Westminster Cathedral.
