Lighting the Lamp of Remembrance

The Lamp of Remembrance was lit for the very first time on Sunday 15 October at St David’s Memorial Church in central Auckland by Brigadier Rose King, Deputy Chief of Army.

The Lamp honours all current and retired members of the New Zealand Defence Force. It is now illuminated every day –and will remain illuminated always.

“It’s about letting veterans from all wars and peace-keeping missions know that we value them, day in and day out, and that this sanctuary in central Auckland is here for them” says Paul Baragwanath, Director of the charitable trust that owns St David’s.

The Lamp also commemorates the Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers, known as the Sappers. The 15th of October marked the RNZE’s 121st Sappers’ Day, a St David’s tradition that reaches back 96 years as both WW1 and WW2 Sappers are memorialised.

The St David’s foundation stone was laid on Anzac Day 1927 and dedicated as the Soldiers’ Memorial Church. It has been home to the Royal New Zealand Engineers ever since. St David’s would like to reach out to veterans everywhere.

“It’s early days, but in addition to the free lunchtime drop-ins that will be run by volunteers, we are also exploring special rates for veterans for events such as weddings and funerals. It’s here for you.” says Baragwanath.

You can learn more about the memorial by visiting www.SaintDavidsFriends.org.nz