An act of remembrance was on the 15th of August by the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, to mark the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The 15th of August historically marks VJ Day, the day Japan surrendered and fighting in Asia and the Pacific ended.
Around 140 000 New Zealand men and women served in World War II, and 12 000 of them lost their lives while serving. The war remains the bloodiest in history, with an estimated 50 million casualties world-wide.
At the act of remembrance, Dame Patsy and Sir David were joined by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins, Chief of Defence Air Marshal Kevin Short, Minister of Defence Hon Ron Mark, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps HE Mr Leasi Papali'i Tommy Scanlan and Rear Admiral (Rtd) Jack Steer of the RSA. Due to Covid-19 alert level 2 restrictions, the event was not open to the public.
Click here for Dame Patsy's speech.
