Newspaper Article 2014 – Service unites region

Service unites region

The Waipukurau and Districts RSA hosted a Field of Remembrance service on Monday, attended by guests young and old.

School children from several CHB primary schools were enlisted to place individually named crosses in memory of the 75 fallen soldiers who are listed on the Waipukurau cenotaph.

A 76th cross was placed for an unknown warrior.

Despite a rainy morning, more than 50 people attended the service after a dawn blessing of the site and the crosses.

Waipukurau and Districts RSA president Janet Castell said it was an emotional occasion, with a strong military flavour, aided by the presence of veterans and the Ruahine Cadet Unit.

“The cadets and school children were a credit to themselves and their unit and schools,” she said. “A focus of the day was on the younger people – they are the ones that will carry this legacy on and make sure we don’t forget these soldiers.”

Up until Anzac Day, an enlistment book will be available during the day at Waipukurau memorial for people to look through. The book is available for viewing from 9am to 4pm.

Photo captions –
REMEMBRANCE: From left, Colonel (retired) Richard Clouston, Willie Peacock and Charlie Anderton place a cross.
FORMALITIES: Ruahine cadets lower the flags while Waipukurau and Districts RSA president Janet Castell addresses the audience.