They March for Those Who No Longer Can: A Town Remembers Its Veterans
Guest speaker Jack Donnelly, BEM, will share the vivid wartime story of Ken Gordon, a Royal New Zealand Navy veteran of World War II. Ken Gordon, aged 98, was pictured with a framed letter he received from King Charles this year and will be honoured at Sunday’s Combined Services Remembrance Day service in Gisborne.
Remembrance Day Service Details
The service commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and pays tribute to veterans like the "living legend" Ken Gordon. Gordon will attend the event alongside his daughter Fiona and son Alister. It will be held outside the Returned and Services Association (RSA) rooms.
Guest Speaker and Veteran Highlights
Jack Donnelly, BEM, a 34-year Navy veteran, told the Gisborne Herald he will share Gordon’s “very graphic and descriptive story.” Donnelly described Gordon as a living legend who served on HMNZS Gambia and witnessed the historic signing of the Japanese armistice on the USS Missouri in September 1945, which ended World War II.
Also attending is Tuwhakairiora “Toti” Tukhaka, QSM, one of Gordon’s former trainees and a Korean War veteran from the early 1950s.
March to Remember
“They march for those who no longer march and in the footsteps of those who are no longer with us. Their pride, discipline and bearing will shine through. We thank them for their service.”
This march by Gisborne veterans will be one of the most touching parts of the service, honoring those who fought and those who have passed on.
Author’s summary: Gisborne’s Remembrance Day service solemnly honors WWII and Korean War veterans, led by living heroes like Ken Gordon, with a heartfelt March to Remember.