Memorial campaign halfway there

It never fails to amaze me how quickly our nation’s guiding principles give way to the power of pragmatism. The cynicism of the underarm bowl is seldom mentioned in polite circles, whereas animated discussion about the importance of the mighty Anzac bubble prevails.

The debate over who invented the pavlova? Not a word!

Aussies are now our best mates. Oi, oi, oi.

Let’s hope some of that goodwill rubs off on our council. Perhaps the tide has already turned.

A couple of elections ago I helped to campaign for the purchase of a former hotel in Le Quesnoy.

In November 1918, the French town was liberated by New Zealand soldiers with such precision that not a single civilian was killed or wounded.

However, 2000 Germans were defending Le Quesnoy and they inflicted casualties on the New Zealand Division.

The people of Le Quesnoy were so thankful for the way in which they were liberated that many streets have New Zealand place names. For example, if you visit the town you can walk down Rue de la Nouvelle Zelande or Rue Aotearoa.

Speaking to Sir Don McKinnon this week, I am pleased to note that the campaign to purchase the old gendarmerie base and former mayor’s mansion in Les Quesnoy is now over halfway to the $15 million needed.

Southlanders will know I have for some time supported this project to establish a New Zealand memorial war museum in the small town liberated by Kiwi soldiers.

Prior to Covid-19, several school trips visited the town and they received a warm welcome.

Cambridge in Waikato became a twin town in honour of the 150 New

Zealanders who were killed and 300 wounded only one week before the Armistice ended the fighting.

Despite the negative television, this project attracted heroic funders who have raised $6m. We can all, hand on heart, publicly state ‘‘we will remember them’’.

Tomorrow, I will take my usual place at the Invercargill and Bluff Anzac parades, wearing my Dad’s medals (and maybe with Declan in his Cub uniform) as we honour those you have paved the way to freedom for us.

It’s incredibly heartening to see each year not just the increasing numbers in attendance but the young and very young who get up in darkness to honour our fallen.

Let’s take half a day’s respite from shopping and cafes and to remember the importance of the day.

Lest we forget.