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Ten of our country's military veterans have been honoured
in a special medal service
held at the Birkenhead RSA, Auckland.
One of those recognised is the late Denis Hansen of Ngati Kahu.
Mr Hansen died last September at the age of 80.
He was awarded three medals for his services
during the 1950s Korean War.
Though he has passed on,
his spirit remains in his descendants.
Mr Hansen was awarded three medals;
the NZ General Service Medal (1992),
the NZ Operational Service Medal and the Clasp Korea.
Mr Hansen was 20 years old when he joined the army.
He enlisted under the name Frank Ratima -
one of the very few facts he shared of his time as a soldier.
Mr Hansen arrived in Korea in 1956, near the end of the Korean War.
He was one of around 3700 soldiers of NZ's Kayforce contingent.
I'm happy.
It's a great honour,
dear friend,
for your efforts in the war for our people.
May you rest in peace.
Nine other veterans are being honoured today.
Though there are still many more
who are deserving of recognition as well.
Oriini Tipene-Leach, Te Karere.