The Papamoa War Memorial Community Trust is to mark this year's Armistice Day with a ceremony at the flag pole and memorial in Stella Place, Papamoa, next Friday, November 11.

In addition to Tauranga and Mount Maunganui RSA members, a large turnout from local schools, service organisations and the wider Tauranga and Mount Maunganui community is expected.

'We are particularly pleased to be able to include in this year's commemoration the addition of three more names to the Papamoa Beach memorial, all Maori servicemen; one who died in Italy in World War II and two Vietnam veterans who succumbed to the toxic cancerous after-effects of being sprayed by Agent Orange,” says Trust member Buddy Mikaere.

These men are Seargent Honiana (Jack) N. Te Kani for his service in Vietnam; Private David J. R. Mikaere for his time in Vietnam; and Private Thomas Bridger Wharepapa, who was killed in Italy during WWII.

The ceremonies will begin shortly after 10am Friday, November 11, with the unveiling of the new names. The commemoration service will follow and will observe the customary two-minute silence at 11am.

'The eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month has been the day and time used to remember the end of World War 1 or The Great War – as it is still sometimes called. And we will continue to observe that tradition,” says Buddy.

'It depends on whose statistics you use but more than 16,000 Kiwis died during that war or shortly after its end.

'That sacrifice deserves to be remembered, particularly at this time as with the situation in the Ukraine, Europe once again faces the possibility of war.”

The commemoration welcomes attendance by ex-servicepeople, who are asked to assemble beforehand. Parking is available adjacent to the memorial and intending attendees are asked to please arrive a little early.