Newspaper Article 2006 – Honouring our brave men

Honouring our brave men

By Beverley Fox

A VETERANS Presentation dinner was held at the Waipukurau RSA Club, on the evening of Sunday, November 12, for 13 of our local veterans.

The dinner began with the Last Post followed by the ode and then reveille. This was followed by a toast to the Queen and absent friends.

Guests of the evening included the minister of Veterans Affairs, Rick Barker and Central Hawke’s Bay’s mayor, Tim Gilbertson.

Rick said, “This is a great night, and I am honoured to be here to say thank you to those who have served.”

Rick reminded everyone how some battles have been forgotten in history. Battles- like those fought on the Western Front, where over a million lives were lost, far more than those lost at Gallipolis.

“I have just returned from a visit to Europe where New Zealand soldiers are not forgot- [part of article missing] landers, seem to have forgotten this place ourselves,” he said.

“If a member of your family lost their life in war, I urge you to go and visit the burial site. One of my assistants who travelled with me lost his great uncle in Europe – we made the effort to find his resting place. My assistant is the first member of his family to visit his uncle’s grave – a grave that has been there for 90 years.

“It is with great pleasure, in this Year of the Veteran, to be able to hand over these certificates of appreciation and lapel badges, that are family heirlooms. We have a great lifestyle here because of the young New Zealanders that defended our freedom. Thank you from a grateful nation.” Rick said.

The recipients to receive certificates from Rick Barker and lapel badges from mayor Tim Gilbertson at the dinner are: Charles Henry Anderton MM WWII, Errol Bunny [part of article missing] dart Wright WWII. A life membership was also awarded to Peter Chambers.

Other servicemen in the Central Hawke’s Bay area also received their certificates and lapel badges through the post – Kevin Gillum: – Korea, Don McCullum, Gordon Hunt and Arthur Aldridge.

Bill Bennett – WWII and Jack McCleary QSM received theirs during a presentation at Abbotslee by Bill Scott, president of the Waipawa RSA.

The New Zealand Government designated 2006 as the ‘Year of the Veteran’, a year in which New Zealand communities have the opportunity to commemorate and honour the sacrifice and service of New Zealand’s servicemen and women.

The ‘Year of the Veteran’ Certificates of Appreciation and Lapel badges are an expression of appreciation to those who have served New Zealand in a recognised war or emergency.

Photo caption –
Back L-R Graham Wright, Claire Tippet, daughter of Keith Whiteman, Fred Spinley, Keith Davidson, John Campbell, Tom Munden, Minister of Veterans Rick Barker, Jim Thorburn, Capt. Ray Chapman, Mayor Tim Gilbertson.
Front row: Willie Peacock, Pete Chalmers, Errol Bunny, Charlie Anderton, Tony Madden and Duncan Hyde.