Special Anzac resonance for mayor

Waitaki Mayoress and Mayor Heather and Alex Familton display the certificate presented to Mr...
Waitaki Mayoress and Mayor Heather and Alex Familton display the certificate presented to Mr Familton's grandfather on his return from World War 1. Photo by Sally Rae.
Speaking at the Anzac Day service at the Enfield Presbyterian Church was particularly special for Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton.

Mr Familton took along a framed certificate which was presented by the Enfield Patriotic Committee to his grandfather, William Lennox Atkinson, when he returned home from World War 1 in 1919.

It thanked Private Atkinson for his services and wished him health, happiness and prosperity.

He enlisted on July 5, 1917 and was discharged on September 17, 1919.

Mr Familton said he had very fond memories of his grandfather and it was quite emotional to speak at the Enfield service.

He spoke of the mix of grief and elation when soldiers returned home.

His father served in World War 2 and he recalled how for years after he returned home, he would hear a noise and "dive into the bushes".

About 70 people attended the service.

Maureen Malcolm and Joan Mulligan read the roll of honour for the Enfield and Windsor-Ngapara districts.

Wreaths and poppies were laid in the church.

 

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