Kāpiti WW1 soldiers remembered with field of crosses

11 November 2015

About 100 people turned up for the Field of Remembrance ceremony today, Armistice Day, to commemorate the Kāpiti soldiers who died during World War 1.

The field, opposite the Coastlands Aquatic Centre, comprises 100 wooden crosses symbolising the soldiers and will stay in place until Armistice Day, 2018.

The ceremony started with a blessing from Council Kaumātua Rakauoteora Te Maipi, Koro Don and was followed by a speech from Mayor Ross Church.

“We wanted to honour those people in our district who sacrificed their lives for us during the war. These crosses symbolise them and the bravery they showed. It is my privilege to declare this field open.”

Other parts of the ceremony included playing of the ‘Last Post’ and ‘The Reveille’ by a solo bugler, readings of ‘In Flanders Field’ by Ōtaki RSA President Pat Kenny and ‘The Ode’ by Paraparaumu RSA President Chris Turver, prayers from RSA Chaplain Reverend Dave Bahler and laying of the wreaths.

RSA member Robert Drage said he thought the ceremony was “marvellous and wonderfully done”.

“People put their hearts and souls into making it really special.”

Mayor Church said he was impressed with the younger people who turned up to stand alongside the older generation of the district.

“We had a number of cadets attend the ceremony, as well as pupils from Kāpiti Primary School and Kāpiti College. It’s encouraging to see so many young people being involved in the centenary commemorations.”