Post by suthg on Jul 2, 2013 21:30:13 GMT 12
A very positive step in recognition of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving their country...
www.stuff.co.nz/national/8869486/Remembering-our-fallen-soldiers
VERNON SMALL
19:13 02/07/2013
Three plaques commemorating the death of 17 New Zealanders who died serving their country were unveiled in Parliament's debating chamber tonight with about 200 friends and family present.
In a private speech to the families Prime Minister John Key said sending anyone into a war or a conflict zone was one of the most difficult decision any political leader would ever make.
''This is not a decision taken lightly, and as Prime Minister of New Zealand, I grieve with you, and I acknowledge your loss.
While losing a loved one is extremely difficult, I hope it gives you some hope that your loved ones died trying to make the world a better place for you, and your families, and your country.''
Labour leader David Shearer said the hour-long ceremony, during which Speaker David Carter read out the roll of honour of the fallen, was a special time.
He said the plaques, carved in rimu, were a daily reminder to MPs of the magnitude of each decision to send people away on active operations.
''It has been said that the Chamber was dedicated to the memory of those who had fallen.''
Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman said the plaques acknowledged the 17 New Zealanders who made the ultimate sacrifice.
''Sadly, ten soldiers lost their lives in Afghanistan, five in Timor-Leste, one in Kuwait, and one in Bosnia,'' he said.
"It is appropriate that Parliament pays tribute to the 20,000 New Zealanders who served their country in Afghanistan, Timor-Leste and other missions in more than 40 countries around the world since the 1950s," Dr Coleman said.
The event was an opportunity for Parliament to host the families and friends of the fallen soldiers, and those who had been wounded or had served on those deployments.
The plaques, Afghanistan, Timor-Leste, and Missions in Support of Peace, join those already in place for campaigns and battles from WWI, WWII, Korea, Malaya/Malaysia, and Vietnam.
Fairfax NZ News
www.stuff.co.nz/national/8869486/Remembering-our-fallen-soldiers
VERNON SMALL
19:13 02/07/2013
Three plaques commemorating the death of 17 New Zealanders who died serving their country were unveiled in Parliament's debating chamber tonight with about 200 friends and family present.
In a private speech to the families Prime Minister John Key said sending anyone into a war or a conflict zone was one of the most difficult decision any political leader would ever make.
''This is not a decision taken lightly, and as Prime Minister of New Zealand, I grieve with you, and I acknowledge your loss.
While losing a loved one is extremely difficult, I hope it gives you some hope that your loved ones died trying to make the world a better place for you, and your families, and your country.''
Labour leader David Shearer said the hour-long ceremony, during which Speaker David Carter read out the roll of honour of the fallen, was a special time.
He said the plaques, carved in rimu, were a daily reminder to MPs of the magnitude of each decision to send people away on active operations.
''It has been said that the Chamber was dedicated to the memory of those who had fallen.''
Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman said the plaques acknowledged the 17 New Zealanders who made the ultimate sacrifice.
''Sadly, ten soldiers lost their lives in Afghanistan, five in Timor-Leste, one in Kuwait, and one in Bosnia,'' he said.
"It is appropriate that Parliament pays tribute to the 20,000 New Zealanders who served their country in Afghanistan, Timor-Leste and other missions in more than 40 countries around the world since the 1950s," Dr Coleman said.
The event was an opportunity for Parliament to host the families and friends of the fallen soldiers, and those who had been wounded or had served on those deployments.
The plaques, Afghanistan, Timor-Leste, and Missions in Support of Peace, join those already in place for campaigns and battles from WWI, WWII, Korea, Malaya/Malaysia, and Vietnam.
Fairfax NZ News