Strong support for medal proposal

By Bill Hopper

Around 100 former compulsory military trainees and national servicemen gathered in the National War Memorial’s Hall of Memories on August 3 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the compulsory-military-training referendum.

Dennis Cassells-Minnoch, president of the North City Branch of the CMT & National Service Association, which organised the event, referred to the proposed medal for service.

“It is a most positive step towards recognising 80,000 former ‘conscripts’, some of whom have passed away.”

Associate defence minister Heather Roy told the former servicemen she was pleased to note the work under way on medallic recognition for their service.

“This is long overdue. I support the award of a National Service medal that recognises all who entered military service, and does not differentiate on the basis of criteria which are, in many cases, only relevant to a certain era.

“I offer the thanks of all New Zealanders. It is now the turn of others to continue your legacy.”

CMT began after a 1949 referendum initiated by prime minister Peter Fraser following the perceived Soviet threat to the Suez Canal and a British request to supply a division for service in the Middle East. There was 78% support for CMT and, despite Fraser’s election defeat, the people’s wishes were continued by the new government of Sidney Holland.”

“To serve one’s country is an honourable and unique undertaking,” said Roy. “It does not matter whether your entry into the profession of arms is by the passing of a law, a ballot or a personal career choice. What matters is that you served.

“New Zealand salutes you and those who have passed before you for your honour and uniqueness as citizens. By your service, you have demonstrated your understanding of the relationship between freedom, choice and personal responsibility. You know the price of citizenship.”

'New Zealand salutes you,' Associate Defence Minister Heather Roy told former CMT and National Servicemen.