The ceremony commemorated soldiers who had fought in the Malayan Emergency which began in 1948 and ended in 1960.
The event was remembered by veterans nationwide as the Malayan Independence Day was celebrated on August 31, but documents were not signed until September 16.
Southland president Bruce Henderson said it was a special ceremony as it was a day to commemorate the soldiers who served the country.
"We remember all our friends and we come all together once again — I don’t think you ever lose that camaraderie."
As one of the last Korean War veterans in Southland, Jim Gibson (91) laid a wreath at the ceremony.
He recalled signing up to the army at 20 after doing compulsory military training.
He then served in the 16th Field Regiment Royal New Zealand Artillery from 1952 to 1954.
The regiment consisted of 161 Battery, 162 Battery and 163 Battery which were the associated troops, he said.
"We had 25 pounder guns and there were six men to a gun."
He believed the day was important to commemorate, especially for the soldiers he fought alongside.
"All of the ones that I have known have passed on and there’s not many of us left, but it is good to get together and remember them."
