Cassino Veterans Meet Prince

Kiwi war veterans were delighted to meet His Royal Highness Prince Harry at a commemoration service in Cassino yesterday, where he thanked them for their efforts during the Italian Campaign of World War II.

Prince Harry was a special guest at the New Zealand National Commemorative Service held at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Cassino. Also in attendance was the Governor General of New Zealand, the Rt Hon LTGEN Sir Jerry Mateparae, and the Minister of Defence, Dr Jonathan Coleman.

Mr Harry Hubbert, 94, of Auckland, said it was great to meet Prince Harry. "He's a nice bloke and was interested in what we did, and how we are doing now.”

Thirty eight New Zealand Cassino war veterans attended the service. All of them are in their nineties and they are accompanied by a 25-strong team of health professionals and carers from the NZDF and Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand.

The service was attended by many other New Zealand visitors, as well as members of the local community who clapped and cheered as the Kiwi veterans made their way to the area where most of the New Zealand servicemen are buried.

A total of 456 New Zealanders are buried at Cassino, and the names of another 55 are listed on a memorial, their graves are unknown.

ENDS

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