First erected during World War 1, names are still being added to the Edendale War Memorial.
Until recently, it had not been updated since 1951 when the soldiers of World War 2 were added, but this year two new plaques were installed to commemorate those who had served overseas since then.
John and Robert Caldwell, who served in Korea, are named on one plaque and on the other are Casey and Eamonn Lowe and Geoffrey Smith, who were part of New Zealand’s peacekeeping forces.
Sister of the Caldwell brothers, Rose McDonald, said she was very pleased to see their names added.
‘‘I’m thrilled because I’m the last one of the branch of my family.’’
Robert served during the Korean War, and John was part of the occupational force after the war.
They had followed in their father’s footsteps, who had also been a soldier and fought in World War 1, she said.
‘‘There was a certain excitement about war. You take men that lived away in the country in the back blocks. It was a chance to get out way around the world.’’
Ian Lowe, father of Casey and Eamonn, said he was very proud of his sons, who were both dux at Menzies College and had gone on to lead successful military careers.
‘‘They both joined the army straight from high school.
‘‘[Eamonn] was told that it was a waste of his life to join the army . . . but that was the life he wanted and he went for it. [I’m] very proud of him to stick with it and do that.’’
Eamonn had served in East Timor and in Sinai with the United Nations peacekeeping force, eventually rising to the rank of captain.
Casey had been deployed in Afghanistan as an engineer and was still in the army as a staff sergeant.
They were both very brave, Mr Lowe said.
‘‘To be in the Middle East among a war as a peacekeeper, it’s got to be a wee bit terrifying.’’
Geoffrey Smith served in Afghanistan as well as Iraq and East Timor, his father, Dennis, said.
‘‘He’s done 27 years in the army.’’
He was a warrant officer before retiring not long ago, but would soon take up a new position to improve health and safety in the army, a decision inspired by his close shave with a Molotov cocktail early in his career.
Geoffrey was also in the same platoon as a man who died while serving overseas, Mr Smith said.
‘‘There have been deaths, even in peacekeeping.’’
He was glad to see those who served in peacekeeping recognised alongside those who fought in the wars.
‘‘They’re still serving their country,’’ he said.
Southland District Councillor Paul Duffy said it was all about making sure those people were recognised.
‘‘We get good numbers of people attending the Anzac Day services, so I think it’s something the community relates to.’’
