"The fire siren going off right on 11am was very symbolic of the sirens during war, World War 2 in particular," Arrowtown Returned and Services' Association (RSA) president Rupert Iles, of Arrowtown, said after the service on memorial hill.
Queenstown RSA president and Vietnam War veteran David Geddes said the siren sounding was "brilliant" and wondered at the time if it had been arranged.
"It just gave it an atmosphere that was goosebump stuff. My thoughts were for those who heard sirens during wartime as a terrifying daily occurrence."
The siren brought back memories for veteran Jack Reid (89), of Arrowtown, of serving with the Royal Air Force as a wireless and radar operator in Gibraltar during World War 2.
The siren "was something totally expected; to me it was a surprise. It would be quite appropriate to have it at a different time, at two minutes to 11am."
The alarm was raised when a 10-year-old girl fell off a jungle gym at Arrowtown School and suffered a suspected back injury. Arrowtown firefighters attended as the first medical response, followed by St John Queenstown.
The girl was transferred to Lakes District Hospital and discharged two hours later.
Otherwise, the service continued without hitch, with 42 veterans, RSA members and spectators standing to attention for the parade on memorial hill.
Mr Iles and Mr Geddes laid wreaths on the monument. Arrowtown piper Winston Wallace played as participants laid their poppies in a soldier's helmet and paid their respects.
Queenstown bugler Martin Wightman played the Last Post and reveille, as Arrowtown scouts Drew McTaggart (12), Alex Forsyth (11) and Harriet Denison (11) lowered and then raised the New Zealand flag.
Parade marshall Don Spary, of Arrowtown, dismissed the ranks, which decamped for morning tea at the Arrowtown Bowling Club rooms.
Mr Iles said the service was "a poignant remembrance of the Armistice of the Great War and in remembrance of all those who fought and died during that time. In this day and age, we also remember all service men and women, both overseas and at home, who have served over the many years."
Mr Iles said RSA members were "most appreciative" of roading contractors who stopped work on the upgrade of Berkshire St for the service.
Mr Geddes said Anzac Day was the main commemorative day, but Armistice Day had meaning beyond New Zealand and Australia.
"We remember not just our people who fought and served, but all people, regardless of what side they were on. It's quite a healing process to talk to people who were your opponents in years gone by."
