The '''Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association''', often referred to as the '''Returned Services' Association''' but best known simply as the '''RSA''', is one of the largest voluntary welfare organisations in New_Zealand and one of the oldest ex-service organisations in the world. Founded in 1916 by wounded soldiers returned from the Gallipoli Campaign, RNZRSA celebrates its 90th Anniversary in 2006. In recognition of this fact the New Zealand Government has declared 2006 to be the Year of the Veteran. The RSA's commitment to veterans' welfare is embodied in Poppy Day when red poppies are exchanged for donations to hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders to raise funds for the welfare of all veterans and in remembrance of New Zealand's war dead. Poppy Day is usually observed on the Friday before ANZAC_Day (25_April), New Zealand's national day of commemoration. Remembrance plays a special part in the life of the RSA. A moment of silence is generally observed daily at RSAs in memory of comrades. On ANZAC Day and on other special anniversaries, RSAs play a significant part in wreath-laying ceremonies of remembrance. Today 140,000 members support a network of 170 local RSAs throughout New Zealand. Specifically, a 'non-sectarian and non-party political' organisation, RSA membership is open to war veterans, ex-servicemen and women, their families and friends, serving members of the New Zealand Defence Force, sworn NZ Police Officers, as well as men and women without military connections who share the ideals of the RSA movement. The badge is still one of the most familiar icons in New Zealand. The 'local RSA' is a well-known meeting place or restaurant in a locality. Image:RNZRSAFlag.jpg ==See also== * Returned_and_Services_League_of_Australia * Royal_Canadian_Legion * The_Royal_British_Legion * American_Legion * Veterans_of_Foreign_Wars ==External link/Source== Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association Category:Military_veterans