This Anzac Day commemorates 70 years since New Zealand's War in the Pacific.
The Defence Force has flown a group of 84 New Zealand veterans to New Caledonia to mark the anniversary.
A contingent of 25,000 Kiwis served in the Pacific, but 900 soldiers never came home.
And the memories still weigh heavy.
"They do not celebrate war on occasions like this, rather they mourn again their mates who didn't make it," said Veterans Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse at a commemorative service.
It is the first time many of the veterans who served in the Pacific have returned to the region.
During World War Two Noumea was the headquarters for the South Pacific command.
More than 20,000 New Zealand soldiers were stationed there at various times.
Today the relationship between the countries was recognised.
"This war meant a lot to our navy," said Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Jack Steer.
"It's part of the foundation of the navy today, the lessons they learned, the way they conducted themselves and the battles they fought."
New Zealand played a significant role in the Pacific War, including in Guadalcanal, Fiji and Bougainville.
As well as launching attacks, New Zealand was involved in daring rescues. The Defence Force's 53 Catalinas were often used to bring home those lost at sea.
Today, the vetarans laid a wreath in recognition of the many people who died.
"I feel very, very proud," said one veteran.
Another veteran, John Jones, said the occasion was a "oncer" and something that would never be seen again.
The veterans will travel to Bourail tomorrow to visit a Commonwealth War cemetery where the bodies of 235 New Zealander soldiers lie.