More than 15 people attended the noon wreath ceremony, at the Go Bus depot, in Princes St, in honour, particularly, of nine former Dunedin bus and tram workers who had died in World War 1 and World War 2.
Bus driver Alan Savell told those gathered that New Zealand governments had put defence force personnel in harm’s way abroad, but not always provided sufficient support when they returned.
Participants said the bus depot Anzac ceremony was an annual tradition, perhaps since about World War 1.
The usual $140 in funding to buy a formal wreath was jointly donated by the Amalgamated Workers Union, the Tramways Union, Go Bus Ltd and the depot’s sick society, but pandemic restrictions last year meant the usual wreath could not be bought.
Mr Savell, an ex-serviceman, had then made a wreath himself , including rosemary, lavender and some red berries, and the money was given to No Duff Charitable Trust, which supports veterans.
Backed again by the four donor bodies, it had been decided this year to make another improvised wreath and again give the money to the charity.
Mr Savell had ‘‘absolutely’’ enjoyed making another wreath and said that had brought him closer to his late father, Corporal Frank Savell, who, in World War 2, had fought in Egypt and, with the 19th Armoured Regiment, in Italy.
Another ex-serviceman and bus driver Chris Kitto said the latest wreath move was ‘‘absolutely great’’.
‘‘It’s all very well to hang a wreath on the wall, but it’s better to see it go to a good cause.’’
