An Armistice Day commemoration will be held next Sunday, November 9, at the Pāpāmoa War Memorial at Stella Place.

This will be the first time since the war memorial was established that the Pāpāmoa War Memorial Trust will host a Remembrance Sunday service to commemorate Armistice Day.

Each year, the trust selects a special theme.

“Alongside remembering all those who have served in our armed forces, this year we are remembering the thousands of animals which were sent to the World Wars and the animals who have served our country since, including those that protect us at home in the NZ Police and NZ Customs,” said spokesman Philip Wiley.

“We will be joined by representatives from France and Australia as well as welcoming local performers to lead the national anthems and sound the Last Post.”

Following the service, red and purple poppies will be available to place on the memorial in memory of a person or animal that served. “We extend an invitation to everyone in our community to join us in remembrance and to lay a red or purple poppy.”

Free parking will be available at Pāpāmoa Pony Club. The service runs from 10.30am-12pm.