As a current serviceman deployed abroad I am watching (and voting) from afar and through my own poll with the numerous other nationalities I am currently working alongside, the silver fern is by far the one they can easily identify NZ with. Not only is the silver fern adorned on the NZ headstones in the numerous war graves around Europe, but also prominent on the current NZ Army and NZ Defence Force (NZDF) branding.
That said the flag is for all of NZ, not just the military. By applying the military appreciation process ‘Observe, Orientate, Decide, and Act’ an informed decision can be realised without political or organisational interference and bias so the action taken on the voting paper is an individual’s choice. Through this referendum we have a chance to make history and provide a NZ identity for our grand and great grandchildren to rally under, rather than living in the past. As a serving member of the NZDF I remain loyal to the NZ Flag of the day, it is my hope that come the 24th March 2016 we can march proudly into a future under a flag that is uniquely distinguishable and recognisable of NZ advancing, and not, marking time. *Tim (*Name changed to protect the identity of the author currently deployed abroad on active service)
2 Comments
Chris Mullane
2/3/2016 10:08:02 am
Well said '*Tim'. I particularly liked your last line: So ..."we can march proudly into a future under a flag that is uniquely distinguishable and recognisable of NZ advancing, and not, marking time"! From a NZ veteran of another place & time - thank you for your service, go well and return home safely to our beautiful country.
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Rick Manners.
2/3/2016 07:22:04 pm
Well said. My dad was in the Air Force and I honestly believe he would be right behind a change.
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