NZ Army Remembers Its Gallant Heroes

Remembrance Sunday 2003

The ultimate price of being a soldier is to serve and die for your country.

On Sunday 9 November 2003 at 1000 hours the Chief of Army, Major General Jerry Matepaere, will host a service at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul to mark the 85th anniversary of Armistice Day - the end of the First World War.

Prior to the service the NZ Army will be out in full military parade – a stirring sight and a unique opportunity to see the entire regimental flags and colours of the NZ Army come together. The NZ Army Band will also be parading with an impressive pipe and drum performance.

New Zealand Army soldiers will slow-march regimental colours and flags to the Cathedral’s Alter where The Very Reverend Dr Douglas Sparks (Dean of Wellington) will conduct the service.

The First World War (1914 - 1918) was one of the most disastrous events in human history. New Zealand, with a population of 1.1 million in 1914, sent 100,000 men and women abroad. 16,700 died and over 40,000 were wounded – a higher per capita casualty rate than any other country involved.

The coming of peace on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 brought blessed relief for all involved.

Remembrance Sunday has become a universal time of commemoration.

For NZ Army, this is a day of special reverence to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of all those who have died serving New Zealand in WWI and all other armed conflicts. It also propounds a sobering opportunity to remember our service people in other parts of the world, especially those currently serving on operational missions.

Guests at the 2003 Wellington Remembrance Sunday service will include Her Excellency the Governor-General and Mr Peter Cartwright; the Hon. Mark Burton, Minister of Defence; Air Marshal Bruce Ferguson, Chief of Defence Force; and other key dignitaries.

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