Christchurch has more older war veterans

Loved the ‘‘War vets still calling the shots’’ half-page story on Saturday. We need to make sure that our community, especially the younger ones, understand the debt we owe to those who served and to cherish our surviving veterans.

Regrettably, the reporter who put together this very good story, didn’t waste time on research.

Not taking anything away from the vets in the Waikato, but claims that the Cambridge RSA has the highest number of surviving World War II veterans over age 90 is way off the mark. The Christchurch RSA currently has 162 living WWII veterans over 90 years old, the oldest of whom is 104 and there are a few others over 100.

With poppy day and Anzac Day our priority lately, I haven’t checked with the Papanui, Templeton, New Brighton or Sumner RSAs, but it is a fair bet that the Christchurch area has about 300 WWII veterans over 90.

They are the face of all those whom we honour through Anzac Day.

I think your readers would be proud to know that their contributions for poppy day and their effort to attend Anzac services are very much appreciated by our large veteran community. Nick Nicholson Treasurer, Christchurch Memorial Returned and Services Association

Spending poppy day money

Re ‘‘RSA aids crucial surgery’’ (Press Apr 24): While sympathising with this young person, I cannot justify making any further donations to the Returned Services Association.

Being a New Zealand Super recipient I budget my money.

I find it somewhat ironic that my donation could help fund paying for a lawyer’s fees to fight ACC.

Is this not classed as a culture of entitlement?

Now that this young woman is again working full time, will she be refunding the RSA? HT Curnow Timaru

PHOTO: JOSEPH JOHNSON/FAIRFAX NZ Bill Mitchell, a 104-year-old Canterbury war veteran, shakes hands with retired US Marine Harry Oliver as the two of them are surrounded by family during yesterday’s dawn service at Cramner Square as a part of Christchurch’s Anzac Day celebrations.