Mike Pettit, Waipā mayor; Steve Tritt; Grahame Webber KSM; former Waipā deputy mayor, Brigadier Jon Broadley MBE. (retired)
Steve Tritt spent some time working at Waipā District Council .
Because of his family connection through Peter and working at council, Steve and his wife travelled to Cambridge’s sister city Le Quesnoy in 2018 for the centenary of the Liberation.
The historic property in Le Quesnoy that is earmarked for development into a New Zealand Memorial Museum.
“We paid our way and went with the council delegation to the commemoration. It was a fantastic honour to be more than just a spectator especially because that deep family connection with Peter.”
“I loved walking through the town with everyone. It was surreal to be standing outside the walls, with the French and New Zealand officials, where Peter had died 100 years before.
That’s when I thought of Peter who died outside the walls, he didn’t make it into the city, and he did not celebrate with the locals.”
At the official dinner in Le Quesnoy on November 4, 2018 – which was also Steve and his wife’s wedding anniversary – they remembered, and celebrated, by raising a glass of Champagne to Peter.
“Knowing Peter’s story gives a historic point of reference for my family, my kids and their kids. These days fewer people have a direct connection with the war, so keeping family stories alive is important.
“So documenting Peter’s story offers a personal connection with one of the world’s most significant events and hopefully means that family coming after, will know about it and remember it.”
Mike Pettit, Waipā mayor; Steve Tritt; Grahame Webber KSM; former Waipā deputy mayor, Brigadier Jon Broadley MBE. (retired)
