New Zealand Defence Service medals presented to those who completed compulsory military training (CMT) are helping to boost RSA membership numbers, two association presidents say.
Following the Anzac service at Bannockburn yesterday, at which most RSA representatives wore the CMT medal, Cromwell RSA president Gordon Gates described the medals as "a way of keeping RSAs alive".
The RSA played an important role in society, not only because it organised Anzac services but also had an educational role with the young, he said.
Alexandra-Clyde RSA president Kevin Harding agreed, saying the number of young people attending Anzac services was proof that the message was going through the generations.
"And as long as I'm drawing breath, there will be a service."
The medals were introduced a year ago for New Zealanders who did non-operational military service, had served in the military for more than three years since World War 2, or who did compulsory military training or national military service.
