Welcome Sweet Peace: Returning home after the Great War
Armistice Day celebrations, Christchurch
Samuel Heath Head (d. 1948), Crowd in Cathedral Square, Christchurch, celebrating Armistice Day, ca. 12 November 1918, Black and white original negative, Samuel Heath Head Collection, Photographic Archive, Alexander Turnbull Library, Reference: 1/1-007108-G
Armistice Day celebrations, Christchurch
The Armistice signed by the Western Allies and the Central Powers on 11 November 1918 brought to a close 51 months of fighting in which countless millions lost their lives. In New Zealand a public holiday was declared for 12 November, allowing crowds to gather to celebrate the news.
In Christchurch an open-air service was arranged and a procession of returned servicemen, Red Cross workers and patriotic organisation volunteers took place in Cathedral Square. These demonstrations were replicated the length and breadth of the country.
A considerable element of solemnity and quiet dignity surrounded the celebrations. For those mourning departed loved ones there was little to celebrate. For all, it was hoped the signing of the Armistice would mark not so much the end of a past, but a start for a future generation after four years of hardship.
Permission of the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga O Aotearoa, must be obtained before any reuse of this image
