Takaka 'weeping wall' war memorial opens

Takaka 'weeping wall' war memorial opens

The Takaka District Memorial Park was officially opened near Nelson today.

It features a war memorial with a "weeping wall" to commemorate 70 fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen from the region.

Army, Navy and Air Force personnel turned out in Takaka today to remember those who died.

The Golden Bay RSA began planning the park after the memorial library burned to the ground in 2010.

Vice president Noel Baigent says it's been four years of hard work.

"Now people can see what the end result is," says Mr Baigent. "It's just been wonderful."

The day began with a dawn blessing of the Waharoa at the entrance to the park. The memorial wall was unveiled this afternoon. The water represents the tears that flowed at the loss of those who died, including Lawrence MacDonald's father.

"We can come along and bring our spirit with their spirit for those who passed away," says Mr MacDonald.

Nine columns represent the conflicts New Zealand has been involved in, with one to recognise our former foes.

Grass from across the Tasman has been sewn in the park's ground to symbolise the ANZAC spirit.

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