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Like homes all over the East Coast,
many sons of Tolaga Bay went to World War II
under the banner of C Company.
This morning, the people of Te Aitanga a Hauiti gathered
at Hinemaurea Marae to remember those who were lost at war
and to award medals to their soldiers.
Te Aitanga a Hauiti's day began with war protocol.
But these warriors are far from the battlefields
seen by their grandfathers.
Many of them went as boys, and returned as men
because of the terrible things they witnessed —
terrible things that aren't spoken of.
They talk about it amongst themselves;
they leave behind children and grandchildren
to carry on their legacies.
Many of Tolaga Bay's sons answered Apirana Ngata's call to war.
They are remembered today.
Most of those that went were families -
I'm thinking of the Tamihanas - about five of them,
and the Kutia family.
Some of them were killed.
It's the same with many other families across the coast.
Today was also about honouring veterans of the region.
Amongst them is Henrietta Redshaw,
the first woman to become a Warrant Officer Class 1.
And being a female role model has kept her motivated.
Tolaga Bay's memorial service has really grown over the years;
they hope it'll be even bigger next year.
Tina Wickliffe, Te Karere.