Welcoming returned soldiers cartoon

As well as farewelling and welcoming soldiers at railway stations and wharves, many communities held functions to mark departures and arrivals.

Local residents or groups such as patriotic societies organised these events, which were generally held in community halls, schoolrooms or clubrooms. Organisations the men were already involved with, such as workplaces, social clubs and churches, hosted similar functions.

These events often featured singing and dancing, recitations and speeches, with supper or refreshments to follow. On many occasions gifts such as medals and inscribed watches were presented to the soldiers. 

 An example of one of these medals can be seen on Te Papa’s website.