Bringing meaning to the sacrifice
The events of 100 years ago can still leave a lasting impression on the mind of a 10-year-old. Armistice Day will carry the meaning and weight it deserves for pupils at a Tararua school, the children delving into research about World War I and its effect on New Zealand families in the lead-up to centenary commemorations tomorrow. Pah¯ıatua School has erected crosses on the school grounds, and pupils have been reading about the experience of soldiers on the Western Front. Principal Lynne Huddleston said the RSA provided the school with the names of Kiwi soldiers killed, which were in turn printed on the crosses. Savali Tinifu, 10, Emma Fergus, 11, and Keira Fergus, 10, were among the group who studied the origins of Armistice Day. ‘‘We read a lot of stuff about soldiers,’’ Keira said. ‘‘We read a book about the French town that got liberated by New Zealanders 100 years ago, Le Quesnoy.’’ Emma said it was important to mark the day because soldiers had risked their lives to save their countries. She said the tales from people in the war were interesting. ‘‘It was quite sad because they lost a lot of friends.’’ The names on the crosses are from around the country, but Emma said some were from Ballance, so it was close to home for them. The children also made a banner covered in poppies. Armistice Day is commemorated on November 11 to mark the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany to cease fighting on the Western Front, which took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. It is when the guns fell silent. Services will be held at the Palmerston North and Feilding cenotaphs at 11am on Sunday. There will also be a service at 10.30am at the cenotaph in Levin.