95-year-old man who caught three buses to attend Christchurch attack memorial pays tribute at Anzac Day service

A 95-year-old World War Two veteran has touched hearts across New Zealand after he offered words of wisdom at an Anzac Day memorial service.

John Sato walked through darkness to attend the 5.30am service in Howick, eastern Aukland, where he paid tribute to Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served and died in battle.

“The least one can do is to remember them with some sort of respect and I think affection, too,” he told New Zealand’s TVNZ1’s news channel.

“I think affection is a very important thing to remember people by – they’ve earned it,” he said.

Anzac Day 2019 - In pictures

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Gazing at the rows of wooden crosses dotted with poppies, he explained he couldn’t read the names of the fallen, but added: “It doesn’t matter, I’m here.”

“A lot of young people that went did their best and they died,” said the veteran, who served in New Zealand’s North Island aged 18.

“I hope in time people will learn that it’s not necessary. Mankind should learn. It’s a slow process. Generation after generation they remember.”

This is not the first time Mr Sato has made it into the headlines.

He was celebrated across the world for taking four buses to attend an anti-racism rally in the aftermath of the Christchurch terror attacks.

Following the shootings which killed 50 Muslim worshippers and left dozens wounded, the 95-year-old said he felt motivated to speak out against racism and stand in solidarity with his countrymen.

John Sato, 95, said he was one of only two Japanese servicemen in the New Zealand army in World War Two
Getty Images

“The attack has brought people together,” he told Radio New Zealand.

“It doesn’t matter what their race or anything. People are suddenly realising we’re all one. We care for each other.”

When the veteran was told his attendance at the rally had attracted global attention, he responded with bafflement: “Heaven help us – they probably think I’m a drunk.”

The Anzac Day dawn service was closer to home for Mr Sato, a mere stone’s throw from his house in Stockade Hill, Howick.

“So there was no multibus excursion this morning,” joked TVNZ1 presenter Seven Sharp.

“But if that’s what was required I’m sure you would have,” he added.

“I would have,” replied Mr Sato. “Yes, of course.”

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