THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD WAR 1

SOKA GAKKAI INTERNATIONAL OF NEW ZEALAND PARTICIPATES IN THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD WAR 1

SGINZ representatives participate in ANZAC Day service

SGINZ General Director Ian Gordon at the 100th anniversary wreath laying ceremony.

On Saturday 25 April 2015, representatives of Soka Gakkai International of NZ (SGINZ) laid a wreath at the Wellington Cenotaph in front of the New Zealand Parliament in commemoration of the 100thanniversary of the World War 1 Battle of Gallipoli.

The wreath laid in front of the Cenotaph

The wreath presented by SGINZ carried the following message:They joined the solemn ceremony alongside the mayor of Wellington, Celia Wade Brown and other groups including those from the Wellington City Council, political parties, government and non-governmental organisations, schools and citizens who laid wreaths in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives during times of conflict.

The SGINZ wreath and message

“We, members of Soka Gakkai International of New Zealand, remember and send our prayers for all those who fell in the great wars, the sons, brothers and husbands from Wellington and beyond.

We remember them, and renew our pledge to strive for a peaceful world that honours and respects the dignity of human life.  A world that never again requires the sacrifice of so many. 

To quote SGI President Daisaku Ikeda “Nothing is more previous than peace.  Nothing brings more happiness.  Peace is the most basic starting point for the advancement of mankind.”