Armistice Day Commemorations

This year the Armistice Day commemorations will be held not only on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, but also the eleventh year of the century (11am, 11 November 2011).

Armistice Day is the anniversary of the symbolic end of World War 1 on 11 November 1918 commemorating the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany at Rethondes, France, for the end of hostilities on the Western Front.

“This is an important day in our history and we must pause to acknowledge the actions of our forefathers, who fought so bravely for our nation,” Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says.

“Right now our residents are facing their own challenges, this day is an opportunity to reflect and draw strength from those for fought for our country with such courage in the face of adversity.”

“This day we remember and pay tribute to those who have gone before us.”

To commemorate those members of the armed forces who were killed during World War 1 a service will held at the Henry Nicholas VC MM statue in Remembrance Park, on the corner of Hereford Street and Cambridge Terrace, adjacent to the Bridge of Remembrance.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker will attend the remembrance service and the Dean of Christchurch, The Very Reverend Peter Beck will dedicate wreaths from the Mayor, Consular Corps, members of Parliament, representatives of the services and the Returned and Services' Association following the observation of a two-minute silence at 11am.

The public are encouraged to attend to commemorate this important day.

Following the service The Christchurch Returned and Services' Association have organised a lunch, which will be available at a reasonable cost at the Speight's Ale House, 263 Bealey Avenue, as the RSA premises are unavailable.