Wellington Racing Club Honours New Zealand War Veterans

	Deputy prime minister Dr Michael Cullen, RNZRSA national president David Cox and Wellington Racing Club president Ron Dixon pause in tribute after unveiling the memorial plaque temporarily installed on the birdcage fence at Trentham Racecourse.

To mark the 90th anniversary of the year of departure of New Zealand troops to the First World War in 1914, the Wellington Racing Club designated the second day of its 2004 Summer Meeting RSA Family Day.

Racing Club president Ron Dixon said, that prior to their departure, members of the Main Body of the First New Zealand Expeditionary Force paraded down the straight at Trentham Race Course before embarking for Egypt and Gallipoli. "Many never returned," he said.

Among the highlights of the day was the unveiling of a memorial plaque in the birdcage by deputy prime minister, Hon Dr Michael Cullen, a flypast by one of the RNZAF's new Boeing 757s of No 40 Squadron and a display of vintage military vehicles.

The vehicles, including a 1938 Valentine tank, bren gun carrier, GM truck and jeeps belong to Military Vehicle Collector Club members Andrew Rowe, Kevin Derose and Brian Tompkies.

Wellington branch members of the Historical " Re-enactment Society added to the atmosphere parading, complete with weapons, in reproduction 1914-18 War uniforms.

The Levin and District Brass Band was also in attendance entertaining the punters with melodies from both World Wars.

Before unveiling the plaque Dr Cullen said, New Zealand's World War I troops helped establish a tradition of service still recognised today.

RNZRSA President David Cox said the Wellington Racing Club very generously offered free course admission and tickets for the Members' Stand to RSA members and their families.

"We applaud the Club for its wonderful gesture in honouring the exploits and sacrifice of those of our countrymen and women who gave up their lives on the battlefields that we could live in peace and security," he said.

"The Club's tribute to our military heritage also reflects the significant place that Trentham, both the Race Course and the Camp, has played and will continue to play in that heritage."

The club hopes to stage a more extensive commemoration nearer the actual day during its October 2004 meeting.