It just sits there. A chair. A chair draped in the New Zealand flag. Sitting there in the spotlight right in the middle of the floor at Lodge Mount Maunganui No 376 on the Harini roundabout.

Eyes are fixed on it, respectful eyes. It is ‘The Empty Chair'.

'It dates back 150 years,” says Bay of Plenty Freemasons' grand master Mike Cook, back to 1875 and a decade after the American Civil War.

It's used by Masonic Lodges to pay tribute to those who did not return from war…in this case the Great War.

The chair sits empty – perhaps symbolically waiting for the spirits of grandfathers and great grandfathers who made the supreme sacrifice to return to fill the seat. Or, perhaps, waiting until they find eternal peace.

The Freemasons Anzac ceremony of the empty chair begins.

'We remember with thanks-giving those who died for us during times of war,” intones the Reverend Derm Buchanan. The empty seat is for them.

‘Them' being the 120 names on Tauranga's Roll of Honour of young men of adventure who fought and fell in World War I – a list that starts with Robert Sherer Baikie 23, who died in France and finishes with Roy Howard Woollams, 22, who also died in France.

It's an Anzac commemoration to pay these men the respect they are due. 'Enable us to dedicate ourselves to the cause of justice and peace,” the prayer continued.

It's also an occasion for medals. There are men here who served with distinction in one war remembering those who didn't come home from another.

They are adorned with tokens of selflessness and courage which would ensure future generations would be spared the empty chair.

'….and may we be granted the wisdom and strength to build a better world,” concludes the prayer.

That might require more than prayer, according to one man present.

'There is a way to avoid wars and empty chairs,” says Colonel Brian Monks, who has retired his uniform but not his attitude. 'We need an army of skilled soldiers and good kit.”

As with most remembrance ceremonies, the respect in this room is palpable. Everyone here has a relative or has a story of someone who went, served and did not return. The empty seat is for them.

'To avoid wars you need to be prepared for them,” advises the colonel.

Eyes remain fixed on the empty chair and the spirits of fallen soldiers remain fixed in hearts and minds. Remembrance is sought and granted silently and unequivocally.