A little boy’s day is made
The Navy made a little boy’s day after he was spotted standing to attention next to the top brass at Waitangi, with a toy gun, on Wednesday.
The final formal event on Waitangi Day is the Beat Retreat, a ceremonial lowering of the flag at the Treaty Grounds, more than 100 sailors, a brass band and a kapa haka party from the Royal NZ Navy taking part in last week’s ceremony.
After a concert, a rifle volley and lowering of the flag, Rear Admiral David Proctor and other senior officers saluted as the sailors marched from the parade ground.
At that moment 5-year-old Connor Petersen-Hodge — also dressed in a spotless white shirt and clutching a plastic gun, complete with flashing lights and machine gun sounds — ran from the crowd and took his place next to the officers.
When they stood to attention and saluted, the Whanga¯rei youngster puffed out his chest and did the same.
His exemplary parade ground performance was not lost on an officer, who invited him to meet the sailors and watch as the real rifles were packed away.
Connor was even allowed to briefly hold a rifle, unloaded and under close supervision.
Proud dad Rodney Phillips said Connor was fascinated by all things military, and was keen to join the armed forces some day.