Te Awamutu RSA executive member Graham Jull
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Te Awamutu remembered the fallen, 107 years after the guns fell silent on the Western Front.
Te Awamutu RSA president Daniel van der Hulst (left) and executive member Adan Te Huia during the Armistice Day ceremony. Photo: Jesse Wood
The World War I cenotaph was erected in 1923. Photo: Jesse Wood
Tuesday last week marked the anniversary of Armistice Day, the end of World War I. At Anzac Green, the Waipā town remembered those who served between 1914-1918, and beyond.
The clouds made way for the sun to shine down as the fire station siren sounded at 11am.
Emcee and Te Awamutu RSA executive member Graham Smith said it was gratifying to see everyone attend the service. Te Awamutu RSA president Daniel van der Hulst echoed Smith’s remarks.
“Thank you for attending this memorial service to remember the end of the great war and honour those who served our town, our district and our country in those far off lands,” van der Hulst said.
Te Awamutu RSA vice president Don Ramsay stands at attention. Photo: Jesse Wood
“We no longer have the honour of any of those service personnel involved in World War I remaining with us. But we continue to remember the sacrifices they made to allow us to enjoy the freedoms we hold dear today.”
He said although the names on the memorial speak of the fallen, a greater number returned home to try and pick up where they left off.
The New Zealand contingent suffered a 58 per cent casualty rate and many veterans returned with life changing injuries. Visible and invisible scars.
Alan Patterson salutes. Photo: Jesse Wood
“Scars that may have never fully healed,” van der Hulst said. “Scars that needed a community to help them deal with the daily struggles of life and scars that affected not only the service person, but their families as well.”
Returning service personnel helped shape Te Awamutu and wider communities into what they are today.
Attending Armistice Day commemorations keeps the memory and legacy alive of those that served, RSA executive member Adan Te Huia said.
“Thank you for being here and for recognising the importance of this occasion,” Te Huia said. “We’re grateful to you for remembering and honouring the brave men and women, past and present, who have served our country.
President Daniel van der Hulst lays a wreath on behalf of the Te Awamutu RSA. Photo: Jesse Wood
“To those service men and service woman who have gone before us, we pay tribute to you.
“Although you are no longer with us, your sacrifices will always be a part of our lives. We honour you, we remember you and we pay tribute to you.”
Te Huia expressed the deep community gratitude to those that served and those who continue to serve New Zealand.
“We acknowledge your unwavering commitment and the sacrifices you have made, and continue to make, in the service of others. We will remember them.”
Te Awamutu RSA executive member Graham Jull reads the dedication. Photo: Jesse Wood
