NEWS RELEASE

Friday 11 May 2001

PARADE TO HONOUR SERVICE TO COUNTRY

A ‘Commemoration of Service’ parade to be held in Queen Street in July will be an historic occasion.

For the first time the three services – Navy, Army and Air Force - will jointly exercise their individual right of charter by getting together for the parade.

Auckland City Mayor Chris Fletcher says the parade’s purpose is to honour service to country, “the selfless commitment of our veterans and defence forces”.

The parade will be held on Saturday 28 July, beginning 1:00pm from downtown Queen Street with full colours in accordance with charter ceremony.

Contingents from the Auckland tri-service will be joined by returned service people, who will march with their respective services.

“This is a special chance to acknowledge the service of Auckland’s past and present service people,” said Mrs Fletcher. “We are indebted to their commitment and the parade provides an occasion to appropriately honour them. I am sure there are many families who will welcome this opportunity to show their support.”

Chris Yates, Auckland Returned Services Association President says the parade provides a momentous chance to show support for our returned service people, and present forces. Veterans will be honoured by the parade to commemorate and thank them for serving their country.

“It will mean a great deal to veterans and their families for our returned service people to march with their respective services with the full colours and tradition of the charter parade,” said Chris Yates.

Interactive displays by the services will follow the parade, to outline what their role is and to allow members of the public to talk with those who are in service and who have recently returned from overseas.

Ends.

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