Armistice Day vigil by military personnel

New Zealand Defence Force personnel will mount a dawn to dusk vigil over the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at the National War Memorial in Buckle Street Wellington to commemorate Armistice Day on 11 November.

Armistice Day marks the anniversary of the Armistice that ended the First World War and commemorates the sacrifice of those who died serving New Zealand in this and all wars and armed conflicts.

A wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the National War Memorial and at many local War Memorials throughout the country. As part of these ceremonies, two minutes silence will be observed at 11am in memory of those New Zealanders who died serving their country.

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month marks the moment when hostilities ceased on the Western Front, with the signing of the Armistice on 11 November 1918.

Remembrance Sunday service honours military personnel

The son of two New Zealand Defence Force personnel will play an important part at the Remembrance Sunday service to be held at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, Wellington on 11 November.

Joshua Scott (7) is the son of Squadron Leader Heidi Hartel, who is currently serving in Afghanistan, and Squadron Leader Tim Scott. Joshua will light the Peace candle at the Remembrance Sunday service.

Remembrance Sunday honours all men and women who sacrificed their lives during military service to New Zealand as well as those NZDF personnel currently serving overseas.

The service will be attended by Their Excellencies the Governor-General and Mrs Susan Satyanand, the Vice Chief of Defence Force (designate) Rear Admiral Jack Steer, NZDF personnel and Wellington Cathedral parishioners.

The National President of the RNZRSA Robin Klitscher will read the Ode.