I watched, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful planes created, the Spitfire, flying gloriously overhead. Roaring across the heavens, looping and climbing, no doubt in the hands of a very experienced pilot.
It set me thinking about all the other men that have flown this marvellous plane.
The men who are very old now and most have even passed away, but when they were lads, mere teenagers, they too piloted these planes, only after a few hours flying time. They rolled, dived and climbed for their lives. To shoot down the enemy at the door and escape with their lives.. hopefully.. only to land, refuel and rearm and take off again to meet the foe. Such courage.
Many didn't make it.. killed in action.. and a telegram was received by a family.
I am sixty-five years old, born in 1946 and as I have grown older, I have over time grown more and more appreciative of the sacrifices made on my behalf by these young warriors.
I enjoy and appreciate the freedoms that I have that were fought for in battles that turned fine young men of all Services prematurely old.
Gentlemen, I salute you and thank you.

Wayne Jessop, Mt Maunganui.