They March for Those Who No Longer Can: A Town Remembers Its Veterans
The Combined Services Remembrance Day service in Gisborne on Sunday will mark 80 years since the end of World War II. The ceremony will honour veterans, including Royal New Zealand Navy veteran Ken Gordon, who served on HMNZS Gambia and witnessed the Japanese surrender aboard USS Missouri in 1945.
Honouring a Living Legend
Ken Gordon, now 98, will attend the service with his daughter Fiona and son Alister. This year he received a framed letter from King Charles acknowledging his WWII service.
Guest Speaker: Jack Donnelly BEM
Guest speaker Jack Donnelly, a 34-year Navy veteran, will recount Gordon’s wartime experiences. He described Gordon as a man whose story is both vivid and deeply moving.
“Ken Gordon is a living legend who saw history unfold when the Japanese signed the armistice on USS Missouri,” Donnelly said.
Legacy and Remembrance
Also attending the ceremony will be Tuwhakairiora “Toti” Tukhaka, QSM, one of Gordon’s early trainees and a Korean War veteran.
“They march for those who no longer march and in the footsteps of those no longer with us. Their pride and discipline will shine through. We thank them for their service,” Donnelly said.
Author’s Summary
This remembrance service unites generations to honour Gisborne’s veterans, symbolizing gratitude, continuity, and the enduring spirit of those who served.