They March for Those Who No Longer Can: A Town Remembers Its Veterans
Guest speaker Jack Donnelly BEM will share Ken Gordon’s vivid wartime story during the Combined Services Remembrance Day service in Gisborne.
Honouring a Living Legend
Ken Gordon, a 98-year-old World War II Royal New Zealand Navy veteran, will be honoured at Sunday's service marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Gordon, pictured with a framed letter he received from King Charles this year, will attend alongside his daughter Fiona and son Alister.
Historic Service Details
The event will take place outside the Returned and Services Association (RSA) rooms. Jack Donnelly, BEM, a Navy veteran with 34 years of service, will speak about Gordon’s “very graphic and descriptive story.”
“Gordon was a living legend who served on HMNZS Gambia and witnessed the historic moment when the Japanese signed the armistice on USS Missouri in September 1945, ending WWII and bringing peace to the world.”
Veterans Present at the Service
- Ken Gordon, WWII Royal New Zealand Navy veteran
- Tuwhakairiora “Toti” Tukhaka, QSM, Korean War veteran and one of Gordon’s former trainees
- Jack Donnelly BEM, guest speaker and Navy veteran
March to Remember
The service will feature a March to Remember by Gisborne veterans, honoring those who can no longer march themselves.
“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. We thank them for their service.”
Author's Summary
This tribute highlights the deep respect and lasting memory a community holds for its veterans, celebrating their sacrifice and historic contributions to peace.