World War 1 Cook Islands soldiers remembered

National List MP Alfred Ngaro honoured the 500 Cook Islands soldiers who served under the New Zealand flag in World War One at a commemoration ceremony held at Parliament today.

Mr Ngaro joined more than three hundred guests, including Hon Tom Marsters, the Queen’s Representative in the Cook Islands, to pay tribute to the soldiers.

“I have a deep sense of pride and respect for the courage of these soldiers. Most were in their early 20s when they left their families and travelled across the world into treacherous conditions, “Mr Ngaro said.

The event began outside on the Parliament lawn where 100 white crosses were placed symbolising the fallen soldiers.

“We had Cook Islands music and singing, Cook Islands art on display, procession of veterans and families, and the sounds of the conch shell. It was a spectacular cultural event befitting of the occasion” Mr Ngaro said.

“We must never forget what our soldiers did for the Cook Islands and for New Zealand, and we must remember them always, “Ka ‘akama’ara ‘ua rāi tātou iā rātou,” he said. .

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