The Cost Of War

The Maori call it Te Utu – the cost of war.  Most places have memorials to those who have fallen in battle, and in Hamilton it is Memorial Park in Hamilton East.

The Cenotaph, dedicated to "Our Glorious Dead"

I went for a quiet walk through this area this morning.  It was sunny and there were not many people around, as I made my way through the Park and down to the Waikato River.

"Pause To Remember" the fallen of WWII

This wall is dedicated to those who died during WWII.  There are other walls for other conflicts.

War Horses are seldom acknowledged

The plaque here reads:  “WAR HORSE.  To commemorate New Zealand’s gallant war horses who served so bravely overseas in the South African War 1899-1902 and the Great War 1914-1918.  They suffered wounds, thirst, hunger, and weariness almost beyond endurance, but they never failed.  They numbered more than 18,000.  They did not come home.  We will remember them.”

The Spitfire bomber has become part of national legend

This Spitfire Mk XVI plane commemorates “The sacrifice, courage and fortitude shown in the air and on the ground by men and women who served with the Royal New Zealand Air Force in all theatres of war 1939-1945 in defence of our freedom.”

Remembering the New Zealand Navy

The anchor comes from the New Zealand Navy Leander-class frigate HMNZS Waikato, which was decommissioned in 1998 after 32 years of service.  It had a special association with Hamilton, as the city is the main urban area of the province of Waikato.

WWII Artillery Gun

This gun is described as a “BL 5.5 Inch Mk3 Artillery Gun.”  My father was a gunner for part of the time he served in WWII and I wonder if he helped fire one of these.

River bank footpath

The Park connects to the walkways that follow the Waikato River.  It was very peaceful down here, and I sat for a while just contemplating life – as you do.

The Waikato River

I hope this post hasn’t been too depressing.  I feel it is important that we remember those who died or suffered so that we can enjoy the freedom we have to live the lives we do.  And this Memorial Park is a fitting place to do that as one wanders around, as well as enjoying the beauty of the Park itself.

Freedom should never be taken for granted,

Margaret.