Speeches and articles

Text of The Queen's speech at the dedication of the New Zealand War Memorial in London, 11 November 2006

Prime Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen

It is a privilege to be here this afternoon among so many New Zealand friends. Your country holds a very special place in my affections, not least through the memories Prince Philip and I hold of so many happy visits there over the years. I am sure all of us here value the many links that exist between New Zealand and Britain at every level and particularly between the people of our two nations, based on a long history of emigration, settlement and travel in each other's countries. It is through these personal ties that we will sustain our broader relationship at the national level.

These strong bonds also help us to uphold our shared values, not least the importance of honouring our war dead. At 11.00 a.m. this morning, 11th November, we paused to remember those who have died in the service of our country. Almost all of us here today will have a family story of loss in warfare or, as war veterans, will have experienced the terrible reality of such loss first-hand. We honour your courage in keeping those memories as we honour the service you have given.

At today's ceremony we are acknowledging especially the significance of such losses for New Zealand whose sons and daughters travelled without hesitation to serve alongside the British people in times of need. New Zealanders have written themselves into a special place in our history books, many of them for deeds of exceptional bravery and sacrifice, but most of them for simply giving their all in duty, in courage, and in dogged determination to fight for peace and freedom from tyranny.

This striking memorial will stand at the heart of our capital city to honour the heritage of loyalties between our two nations; to affirm our commitment to the memories of those who shared the hardships of wartime together and all who fell; and to bear witness to the enduring strength of the relationship between Britain and New Zealand.
 
It therefore gives me great pleasure now to dedicate the New
Zealand Memorial.