Armistice Day

Auckland War Memorial Museum

The fabulous thing about working at our war memorial museum is not only the opportunity to get hands on with amazing artifacts, I am also proud of the amazing  commemorations organised to give thanks to those we may not know but who gave the ultimate sacrifice - their lives.  It is also, I like to think, a time to remember those who had to assimilate back in to 'normal' life and all the horrors that would have brought.  Men with physical and mental disabilities changed forever.

Armistice Day this year was a treat because not only was it on 'Remembrance Sunday' and I could attend [whereas on a weekday i'd be working at the museum and not get the chance], but HRH Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attended as part of their 'Jubilee Tour'.  A couple of days beforehand, museum staff were advised that if we wanted to put our names forward, some of us would have a chance to meet the royal couple by random selection 'via a hat'.  By the time I remembered, the option had passed LOL! My weeks have been manic lately! Not to worry :o)

Mike and I snaffled seats up nice and close to the podium and Cenotaph and got a good view of everything.
The weather was perfect. Overcast and not really cold so photo's came out not too bad. 

Here's a selection of my photos:




Old soldiers








Rt Hon. John Key worked the crowd perfectly, I was impressed  










Rt Hon. John Key Prime Minister - chats to Veterans





HRH Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. Flanked left by Rt Hon. John Key PM and right by Roy Clare, Director of Auckland War Memorial Museum





Media throng

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Roy Clare

Protecting hallowed ground - The Cenotaph

Protecting hallowed ground - The Cenotaph

Many took part













After service



We chatted to these two guarding the entrance to the Museum car park

My full set of photographs HERE

Two short youtube clips I made:  ONE    TWO

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

  John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

 ©2012 Magna_Quies