Remember those at work at Christmas

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 617, 19 December 1995, Page 9

Remember those at work at Christmas

Christmas message from the Commander, the Army Training Group, Waiouru Colonel R J Seymour, MBE: Christmas is that traditional period when families in New Zealand come together and celebrate the end of yet another year and make promises to make the coming New Year better than the one just concluded. But like all Christmas periods that have gone before us, Christmas 1995 will be no different. There will be some families that will not be able to celebrate the joy of Christmas as a family. Let us, who are able to celebrate togetherness this Christmas spare a special thought to those families that cannot be together, those who have loved ones involved in essential services during this period; those who have family members in hospital and those who have loved ones on foreign shores. For us in the Army we especially remember the families of some 250 servicemen and women,, and of course the servicemen and women themselves, who are serving our country in peace keeping missions at this time. We know their Christmas will not be as joyous and happy due to their absence but we should be proud of the tremendous contribution these men and women are making to help restore peace in trouble lands. Regrettably, there will also be some families who will unexpeetedly suffer the loss of loved ones during this festive season. A special plea to you all - don't become a statistic this Christmas, nor make by your actions, someone else a statistic. If you must drink don't drive, and if you must drive - don't drink. Finally, my wife Belle joins me in wishing all residents of the region a most joyous and happy Christmas and a hope that the New Year will be prosperous and rewarding one.