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Medal Parade
Waitangi Weekend (5 and 6 of February) 2021 at RNZAF Woodbourne Offices Mess, Blenhiem, New Zealand
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God’s Own (New Zealand) is indeed fortunate to be able to stage events while Corona Virus ravages across much of the world.
In mid 2020 Jon proposed a medal parade and dinner, and proceeded to meticulously organize and administrate the event.
The Waitangi day weekend began on Friday evening with a true Aussie style BBQ graciously hosted and provisioned by Pip and Trevor. They even managed to arrange for clear skies for perfect viewing of the SpaceEx Skylink linear satellite array!
The following morning (not too much the worse for wear) was designated for leisurely brunch followed by either a wine tour, or a trip to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. The final attendees arrived by mid-afternoon (with Steve and Debbie actually biking from Picton).
Dave provided an excellent example of his current Required Fitness Level (RFL) sit-ups which are posted here as a model for your own health and wellbeing regime. Click on the image to view the video.
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The medal parade began shortly after 5:30 pm. Jon gave an excellent dissertation on the Military Service Medal followed by presentations by Colonel Dave Hingston to Major (Retired) Trevor Jamie, and by Brigadier (Retired) Jon Broadley to Major (Retired) Tim O’Brien.
 The Defence Service Medal was Instituted in April 2011 to recognize generic military service since the end of WWII on 3 September 1945.
It was struck to recognize the unique requirements of military service.
The medal observe (front) features the NZ Coat of Arms which is the symbol of the Crown and Executive Arm of Government. The reverse side has the Naval Crown, Army Swords and Air Force Eagle and separate fern fronds (as shown left). The Ribbon is Dark Blue (Navy), Red (Army) and Light Blue (Air Force) with green stripes in between to signify volunteer reserve/territorial service.
Dinner followed - commencing with the Loyal Toast, toasts to absent and departed friends, and grace. The mess staff excelled providing a buffet of salmon, pork belly and buttered chicken with a range of accompaniments, followed by dessert.
Dinner was followed by wine and cheese, an introduction to slosh, and much conversation. Mike found a guitar and provided a live cameo appearance and the wine and whiskey flowed until the wee hours (alas my recollections were becoming increasingly blurred). The event ended with fond farewells as folk headed to their lodgings, returning home or heading further afield on Sunday morning.
Comrades in Arms
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