Rotorua's Ron Cooper (left) and Rongo Tahata share a story or two during yesterday's Armistice Day commemorations. Photo / Stephen Parker
Rotorua's Ron Cooper (left) and Rongo Tahata share a story or two during yesterday's Armistice Day commemorations. Photo / Stephen Parker
While none of those who fought in the "war to end all wars" remain, their memories will not be forgotten.
Ninety-five years ago, peace broke out in Western Europe when a truce was signed between Great Britain and the German Empire to officially end World War I - on the11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
Rotorua remembered the men and women who laid down their lives to protect New Zealand's freedom with a civic ceremony at the cenotaph in the Government Gardens yesterday.
Salvation Army Major Rex Rees plays the Last Post
The ceremony was led by the Rev Tom Poata, who was joined by Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick, Rotorua MP Todd McClay, the Rotorua RSA, war veterans, serving personnel, cadets, their friends and families and people from out of town. They all gathered to remember the sacrifices of those who had gone before them who fought for this country's, and the world's, freedom. Wreaths were laid and the Last Post was played to the crowd of about 120 people. A lone piper added to the occasion with his bagpipes.
Among those gathered were Ron Cooper and Rongo Tahata.
Mr Cooper was in the armed forces and witnessed nuclear bomb testing on Christmas Island in the late 1950s.
Mr Tahata said he was there to honour his tipuna (ancestors) who had fallen during World War II. "I lost a lot of friends in the last year and the year before," Mr Cooper said. "There are not many left, so I'm here for them. I just hope there is no more wars like that."
Mr Tahata said his family, both his and his wife's sides, were badly affected by World War II. "The trauma of losing family remains in my mind."
