The Cook Islands Returned Services Association (CIRSA) commemorated Remembrance Day yesterday, November 11, to honour and remember the sacrifices made by brave servicemen and women.

Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day) is the anniversary of the Armistice (suspension of fighting) of 1918 that ended fighting in World War I at 11am on November 11 after more than four years of continuous warfare.

At 11am, John Hinton played the Last Post, commemorating those who have died in war.

Yesterday, a good number of 50 guests attended the occasion at the CIRSA to pay tribute and acknowledge shared history.

Pira Wichman, president of the CIRSA said: "It’s a good feeling to see more people attend this occasion, we also received a lot of phone calls from people apologising that they couldn’t make it this morning.

“This day is about making sure that those who have gone before us are not forgotten, we commemorate all lives from all wars and conflicts.

“The encouraging thing is it will be a very long time before they are forgotten,” said Wichman.

In her address, Catherine Graham, New Zealand High Commissioner recognised the service and sacrifice of Cook Islanders who have served in distant conflicts.

“Many did so at great cost to themselves and their families,” she said.

“Today, among others, we remember the 500 young men who joined the New Zealand expeditionary force in WW1 and served in the Pioneer Battalion and then as the Rarotongan Company.

“They were all volunteers, many were extremely young, and many suffered health challenges, as well as the many trials of war itself.

“Despite the huge difficulties they faced, they served with distinction and bravery and were considered invaluable to the war effort.

“It falls to us to remember them and honour their service and sacrifices not only today, but into the future.”

Associate Professor David McBride (Lt Col) and his wife Adele from New Zealand were both pleased to be a part of the event.

Born in Northern Ireland, McBride moved to New Zealand in 1995 and has deployed to East Timor and Afghanistan serving in the New Zealand Army. He was the director of the University of Otago's Health of Veterans, Serving Personnel and their Families Research Theme.

“Remembrance Day is a time to remember those who made the sacrifice, what it’s like for people who are left behind… the psychological risks,” said McBride.

Kings Representative Sir Tom Marsters, Catherine Graham NZ High Commissioner, Phoebe Smith Australia High Commissioner, Tepaeru Herrmann secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Laurence Beau Ambassador of France to the Cook Islands, and Lt CDR David Longhurst, all presented colourful wreaths. -