Eight young members of Tamaha Sea Scouts stepped into an important ceremonial role at the Nelson Merchant Navy Service of Remembrance on Saturday, helping honour those who served at sea during times of war.
The scouts joined the parade at ANZAC Park on Saturday, carrying flags throughout the service and forming a guard of honour. They also had the opportunity to meet veterans and members of the Merchant Navy Association.
Jesse Loader, group leader of the Māpua-based sea scouts, says taking part in the service helps young people connect with a significant but often overlooked part of New Zealand's wartime history.
It also allows them to show their respect and support for those who served, he says.
Merchant Navy Day is observed annually on 3 September. The date marks the anniversary of the sinking of the first British merchant ship in 1939, just hours after the declaration of the Second World War.
Several thousand New Zealanders served in the Merchant Marine and Merchant Navy during the First and Second World Wars. As civilian volunteers, they sailed ships carrying troops, military equipment and essential supplies, including food, fuel and raw materials, across the world's oceans.
Their work was critical to the Allied war effort and became so important that the Merchant Navy came to be recognised as the fourth service, alongside the Army, Navy and Air Force.
