Howick RSA Commemorates Armistice Day with Ceremony

The Howick Returned and Services Association (RSA) is set to hold a ceremony on November 11 to commemorate Armistice Day, a day dedicated to honoring the sacrifices made by New Zealanders during World War I. The event will take place at the cenotaph located on Stockade Hill, beginning at 10:45 a.m.

Barry Dreyer, president of the Howick RSA, invites both association members and the public to participate in this important remembrance. The ceremony will commence at 11:00 a.m. with the playing of the Last Post, a traditional signal of remembrance. Dreyer emphasizes the significance of this date: “November 11 is Armistice Day, the day of remembrance for those killed and those damaged from World War I.”

The commemoration will include a brief address, the laying of wreaths, and commemorative bugle calls, followed by the Ode of Remembrance. Local schools are also expected to contribute to the event, enhancing community involvement.

Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to gather for refreshments and lunch at the Apothecary Café on Picton Street, where tables will be reserved for participants. Dreyer expresses his anticipation for the gathering, stating, “We look forward to seeing you there for this important commemoration.”

Armistice Day, observed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marks the signing of the truce that ended World War I in 1918. Dreyer notes the historical significance of this day, stating, “Armistice Day has been an important commemorative day throughout the Commonwealth since shortly after the end of that war.”

In New Zealand, the day serves as a solemn reminder of the nearly 17,000 soldiers who lost their lives while serving. This figure represents approximately 17 percent of those who served in the New Zealand forces during the conflict. Notably, this number does not account for the 3,370 New Zealanders who served in Australian and other British forces.

The Howick RSA’s ceremony aims not only to remember the fallen but also to foster a sense of community and acknowledgment of the sacrifices made for freedom.