2 November 2020
Media Enquiries
Media: Rotorua Weekender
Topic: Armistice Day commemorations
Enquiry
I'm getting in touch as I'm working on a story around the Armistice Day commemorations coming up.
Would it be possible to get some comments from the mayor or someone appropriate to the below questions?
- What will the Armistice Centenary Commemorations at the Cenotaph include?
- Why is it important/why do you encourage the community to support it?
- How does it feel to be able to hold this commemoration, considering this year's ANZAC commemorations had to be held virtually
- Is there anything you would like to add?
Response
Information provided:
To mark Armistice Day, Rotorua Lakes Council, Returned Services Association and Te Arawa Māori Returned Services League are hosting a commemoration service at the Cenotaph in Government Gardens.
All are welcome to attend and honour all those that fought for us. Please gather at the Cenotaph at 10.30am with proceedings beginning at 10.40am.
The programme will include:
- Rev Tom Poata welcome and blessing
- Mayor Steve Chadwick will give Armistice Address
- Ken Douglas will play Last Post
- 11am one minute silence
- Te Tapae ki a Tumatauenga - Ode to the fallen, read by T K Merito, President of Te Arawa Māori Returned Services League, and RK Hope, President of Rotorua Returned Services Association
- Ken Douglas will play Reveille
- Waiata We're the RSA - sung by Mrs Evelyn Falconer & written by Mrs Rita O'Brien
- Wreath laying and placing of poppies while a piper from the City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band performsComment from Mayor Steve Chadwick:While the signing of the Armistice agreement was 102 years ago, it has never been more profound. As we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, we can learn a lot from the resilience that got New Zealanders through not just the First World War, but also the Spanish flu pandemic that was starting as the war was ending.The fact we are able to join together to commemorate in person rather than virtually, as had to happen for ANZAC Day this year, will also make Armistice Day particularly poignant this year.It's important that we never forget the stories of the past and the valour and selfless service that has contributed to the life we are able to enjoy now - it should be inspiring for younger generations to know and learn about this.