Armistice Day Service: Tomorrow

After four terrible years of fighting and loss, the First World War officially ended on the 11th of November 1918 with the signing of an armistice between Germany and the Allies. News of this was welcomed all across NZ with bells rung, bunting rolled out and big celebrations planned.

 

However, many cities and towns were feeling the ravaging impact of the influenza pandemic that would eventually leave 9000 dead (including 2500 Māori) in only two short months. Auckland, in fact, postponed their armistice celebrations until 1919 to try and limit the spread. Those that have visited our exhibition ‘The Death Ship’ will be all too familiar with the dreadful story of the 1918 influenza pandemic in NZ.

 

Tomorrow, 11 November, we will hold two minutes of silence during our Armistice Day Service to remember the decisive moment that the guns fell silent at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, 104 years ago.

 

Our Service is open to all to attend.