After Armistice: dealing with the effects of war
As we commemorate the 101st Armistice Day, it's timely that we reflect on the aftermath of the First World War; not only the massive scale of loss, but also the ongoing suffering experienced by those who returned from the first industrialised war.
Arriving in back in Wellington, Colonel Evans pointedly reminded the soldiers of those left behind: “Remember,” he said, “When you go ashore you are not heroes. The heroes lie in France”. Having lost their comrades in the thousands, the soldiers hardly needed to be reminded of their 'luck' in making it through. Yet for those who survived, the physical and mental toll of the war was immense and for many unspeakable. Each service person confronted the psychological and emotional impact of a war unprecedented in its violence in their own personal way.
One soldier who suffered through his war service was Private Ivor Norman (Norm) Fleet 31249. A bushman who enlisted in Taumarunui, Fleet fought with the Wellington Infantry Regiment and received gunshot wounds to both legs during a clean-up operation at Bellevue Spur on 22 October 1917. His right leg was later amputated and he eventually returned to New Zealand where simply carried on with his life, marrying Elsie Petley in 1928, building his own house and forging a long and productive career. Norm rarely spoke of the war and relatives only recall seeing him in tears as his nephews left for the Second World War; a small clue to the pain that returned servicemen held inside. Like Norm, millions suffered silently in the aftermath. Today we honour their service and acknowledge the immeasurable suffering that came from it.
Lest we forget.
Find out more about Armistice Day and the Museum's collections here. www.aucklandmuseum.com...
Collaborative Tap Dance Show
New Zealand’s first home-grown professional Tap Dance show, Tap Fusion, will be performing at Auckland’s TAPAC Theatre this weekend. The show is a collaboration of New Zealand’s top Tap dancers performing alongside artists of Street Dance, Contemporary Dance and Swing Dance.
Tap Fusion is the work of former New Zealand Tap Champion Brandon Carter-Chan and is designed to expose the diversity of New Zealand artists through Tap Dance by inspiring, uplifting, and promoting the idea of creative collaboration, encouraging people to work with artists outside their social circle, and to increase opportunity and strengthen the arts community as a whole.
Tap Fusion is on at TAPAC Theatre, Motions Road Western Springs, 14th & 15th December. Buy tickets at: www.tapac.org.nz...
Step Right Up! Who Can Solve Today’s Tricky Riddle?
What has six faces, but does not wear makeup, has twenty-one eyes, but cannot see?
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A Whole New Lifestyle
Care, Community, And Connection
Acacia Cove, a country-style village situated on the beautiful Wattle Downs Peninsula has 31 weekly activities.
For those who appreciate the tranquility of an estuary setting Acacia Cove has it all, as well as its own restaurant, heated indoor pool, library, bowling green and gym.
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If you’re aged 60 or over, value your independence but want greater security, come and have a look at the superb properties we have to offer.
Contact long time manager Bruce to book a visit today!
(09) 268 8522.
admin@ocaciacove.co.nz
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