4 November, 2008
Media Release

Commemorating the fallen
St Matthew-in-the-City hosts 90th Remembrance Day

This Sunday is the 90th commemoration of the end of WWI. Lest the cost of war fade from our collective memories, we will remember those who have served our country on war-torn battlefields and will celebrate those who are fighting for peace today.

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month is Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day as it is known in New Zealand. We celebrate it on the nearest Sunday.

Diplomatic and government dignitaries including the Governor General, military units, members of the Royal NZ Returned Services Association and all who wish to honour and give thanks for past and present New Zealand service personnel will gather on Sunday, 9 November at St Matthew-in-the-City for a service of remembrance. Preceded by a military parade at 11am down Hobson Street, the service, led by Vicar Glynn Cardy, will begin at 11:30am.

His Worship the Deputy Mayor David Hay, representing the City of Auckland, will give the welcome and the Rev. Don Parker, Principal Chaplain of the Army will be the keynote speaker. Special music will be provided by the St Mary¹s Choir and the Royal NZ Artillery Band conducted by Dennis Schofield.

On the first anniversary of the Armistice between the Allies and Germany, 11 November 1919, a two minute silence was introduced as part of the main commemorative ceremony in London. King George V had personally requested all the people of the British Empire to suspend normal activities for two minutes on the hour of the Armistice. Two minutes’ silence was popularly adopted and it became a central feature of commemorations on Armistice Day.

After the Second World War, Britain and her Dominions, including New Zealand, agreed to change the name and date of Armistice Day to Remembrance Day, now to be observed on the second Sunday in November.

ENDS

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