The end of fighting in World War 1 was marked in Armistice Day ceremonies across Otago yesterday.
In Arrowtown, silence descended over the war memorial as more than 60 people took part in the town’s RSA Armistice Day event.
The Rev Carlton Johnstone addressed the gathered veterans, Fire and Emergency New Zealand members, police and others, calling on residents of the newly voted Most Beautiful Small Town in New Zealand to remember inner beauty.
A dozen people attended a service at the Wanaka war memorial.
Among those attending was Avis Munro, of Wanaka, whose father Jim Roy was a lieutenant in World War 1 and awarded the Military Cross twice.
The Alexandra-Clyde Returned Services’ Association held commemorations on Sunday but a small gathering took place at the Alexandra War Memorial yesterday.
In Oamaru, an Armistice Day commemoration held at Waitaki Boys’ High School was attended by about 40 people.
Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said it was significant to host it in the school’s Hall of Memories, as it was built in memory of those who sacrificed so much during World War 1.
About 70 people of all ages gathered at the West Otago RSA in Tapanui for Armistice Day commemorations yesterday.
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan described the conditions experienced by soldiers during World War 1 as “abhorrent”.
He said some might believe recent hardships faced by New Zealanders during the Covid-19 crisis were exceptional.
“But the lockdown and experiences we faced together this year bear no comparison to the sacrifice and suffering they endured.”
