The Memorial Hall was packed out for the service at 11 am — the historic hour which saw the cessation of hostilities in World War One, on 11 November 1918.

Two years ago it was the centennial of the landing at Gallipoli, October this year sees the centennial of Passchendaele in Belgium, and the campaign in Belgium’s Flanders saw many more New Zealand servicemen deaths than at Gallipoli — details.

As can be seen, in Waikanae there was a performance by the Kapiti Brass Band, and statements by VIPs including the local MP, Nathan Guy, and Mayor Guru.  For those who preferred the sunshine on the crisp and clear autumn morning, there was a loud speaker in the rose garden.