November 11, 2014

This Memorial is at Upper Hutt – New Zealand. The best we have seen on our travels. The text below is reproduced from the text on the memorial.

NOW GRANDAD?

It should be noted that this monument is neither a war memorial nor a glorification of war. It is simply a monument that recognizes the past, present and future commitment made by citizens of Upper Hutt in the service of their community and their country.

The statue is of a veteran and his grand-daughter. He is identified as a veteran by his RNZRSA lapel badge and by his medals, which are symbolic and of no specific campaign. Thereby the statue remains timeless.

The grand-daughter has been asked to accompany her Grand-dad to a remembrance service and indicated by him, is to place a poppy with the others at their feet. In her left hand she holds the poppy and with her right hand she holds onto her grand-dad’s hand. He removes his hat and reflect on those dark days when he and others answered the call to service, some never to return, having made the ultimate sacrifice. Others returned bearing scars (some visible and others not) but most who returned, just got of with life. Either from impetuousness or impatience she tugs at his hand, awakening from his state of remembrance and as he turns his head towards her, she asks, “Now Grand-dad?” It is with this that he realizes again, that it was for her and others like her, that they had gone off to do the dirty business of war.

With a smile, her responds quietly as Grand-dads do, “Aye little one, now will be fine” She places the poppy amongst the others, then quickly stands proudly grasping onto Grand-Dad’s hand.