The Ode of Remembrance inscribed on the Returned Services memorial at the Manukau Memorial Gardens now includes a version in te reo Māori.
This special addition was unveiled in August to coincide with Vietnam Veterans’ Remembrance Day commemorations.
The original inscription was initiated by RSA members and funded by the Manurewa and Ōtara-Papatoetoe local boards.
Manurewa Local Board Chair Angela Dalton was proud to once again work alongside the Manurewa Returned Services Association, in particular the president of the Vietnam Veterans Branch of Manurewa RSA, Iwimanene Tuaiti, who suggested the te reo version be added in honour of Māori soldiers who have served in New Zealand’s armed forces.
“I feel very strongly that we must honour those men who gave their lives,” says Angela.
