They March for Those Who No Longer Can: A Town Remembers Its Veterans
The Combined Services Remembrance Day service in Gisborne on Sunday will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and honour veterans such as Royal New Zealand Navy veteran Ken Gordon, described by many as a living legend.
Honouring Ken Gordon
Ken Gordon, now 98, will attend the ceremony alongside his daughter Fiona and son Alister. The event will take place outside the Returned and Services Association (RSA) rooms. Gordon, who served on the HMNZS Gambia, witnessed the signing of the Japanese armistice aboard the USS Missouri in September 1945, bringing an end to World War II.
“Living legend” Ken Gordon, WWII Royal New Zealand Navy veteran, received a framed letter from King Charles earlier this year.
Guest Speaker: Jack Donnelly
Guest speaker Jack Donnelly, BEM, a 34-year Navy veteran, will recount Gordon’s vivid wartime experiences. Speaking to the Gisborne Herald, Donnelly said he plans to share Gordon’s “very graphic and descriptive story” during the ceremony.
“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.” — Jack Donnelly
Comrades and Legacy
Among the attendees will be Tuwhakairiora “Toti” Tukhaka, QSM, one of Gordon’s former trainees and a Korean War veteran from the early 1950s. The parade, known as the March to Remember, will feature local veterans honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Summary
The Gisborne community gathers to pay tribute to veterans like Ken Gordon, marking eight decades since WWII’s end with heartfelt remembrance and gratitude.