Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of NZ 1/4-001508 Celebrating VE Day, Lambton Quay, Wellington

9 May 2005

VE Day Remembered

A service today will be held to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe (VE Day) at the National War Memorial, Buckle Street, Wellington, 3pm Monday May 9, 2005.

At this service Mr Robin Klitscher, representing RNZRSA National President, will recite a specially written Call to Commemoration:

On this day, we remember all those who served our nation to bring about Victory in Europe during the Second World War.

We remember with pride their courage, their compassion and their comradeship. We remember what they accomplished for New Zealand, and indeed for the freedom of humanity.

We honour those who died or were disabled in the tragedy of war.

They adorn our nation’s history.

We remember those who fell on the sands of the North African desert, among the mountains and olive groves of Greece, Crete and Italy; in the skies over Europe and on the surrounding seas.

We remember those who suffered as prisoners of war, and those who died in captivity.

We remember kith and kin whose sacrifices also were great.

We remember staunch friends and allies, especially those who fought alongside us during that theatre of war.

Our servicemen and women have left us a splendid heritage. May we and our successors prove worthy of their sacrifice.

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