Armistice Day salutes brave soldiers

LEST WE FORGET: Bugler Eric Cole plays the Last Post while sea cadets raise the flag during an Armistice Day tribute at Waimauku School.

Another memorable Armistice Day tribute has been held in the nor-west.

Musical and kapa haka performances by children and speeches were presented at Waimauku School to remember 42 former residents of the area who served during World War One. Eight of them died.

"Think back to the size of the community back then. That’s an extraordinary sacrifice and contribution," says Rodney District Councillor Zane Taylor.

"We thank them for their courage and bravery, we thank them and remember them today and everyday. Lest we forget."

In his address, squadron leader Don Richardson reflected on his own service in East Timor, describing it as a "walk in the park" compared to that of the World War One soldiers.

He was also humbled by a French memorial he visited where New Zealand soldiers were honoured.

"Learn from our past and commit ourselves to promoting and maintaining peace in our time and the future. We owe this much to those who have gone before."

Waimauku RSA president David Chisholm recited the Remembrance while bugler Eric Cole played the Last Post and sea cadets raised the flag.

In Helensville, the day was marked by more than 80 people at an RSA parade.

Eight World War Two veterans were present including the very decorated Jim Sheedhan alongside Jim Cauty, George Anderson, Peter Dormer, Ray Cullen, Phil Holden and Jim Aitken.

The veterans were involved in the Royal Air Force, British Navy and the New Zealand services.

- © Fairfax NZ News