12 November 2007
On 11 November 2007, one hundred participants from the United States and New Zealand military contingents gathered at Scott Base to commemorate Remembrance Day.
Originally called Armistice Day, Remembrance Day commemorates the end of World War I hostilities which concluded with the signing of an armistice on 11 November 1918. Armistice Day was subsequently observed by the Allies as a way of remembering those who died.
Morning services in Antarctica kicked off with the lowering of the New Zealand flag at the Scott Base flagpole at McMurdo Sound, followed by one minute’s silence. The group then moved into the new Hillary Field Centre for US Veterans' Day services and a celebratory barbeque.
The commemoration was organised by Major Toni Duffield of the NZDF and her counterparts at the United States Antarctic Programme.
“Both Scott Base and McMurdo Station have a long history of military support, and it’s a great honour to host the US Air Force contingent for Remembrance Day. This date is important for both nations,” said Major Duffield.
The first joint US/NZ Remembrance Day occurred last season when the US Air Force contingent of the US Antarctic Programme invited NZDF personnel to McMurdo Station to commemorate the day.
Remembrance Day services will continue to alternate between Scott Base and McMurdo Station in future, demonstrating the ongoing support between the two programmes.
Events like this present a unique opportunity to share a day of importance with our US neighbours, and show the cooperation between Antarctica New Zealand and the New Zealand Defence Force. Currently the NZDF has seven personnel in operational positions at Scott Base for the 2007/2008 summer season.
Scott Base Cargo Handler Sergeant Paul Dixon of the RNZAF says he has been fortunate to observe this day all around the world. “Last year on this day I was in Sinai, Egypt alongside US personnel. This year I’m commemorating the day in Antarctica”
The United States and New Zealand have had a long association in the Antarctic. The 1957 International Geophysical Year brought the two countries together, establishing support lines for both US and NZ stations in Antarctica. The HMNZS ENDEAVOUR with the US Navy cargo ship, Private John R Towle, carried supplies, construction material, and expedition members who started the ground work for the American (McMurdo Station) and NZ (Scott Base) stations.
In 1957 Sir Edmund Hillary’s attempt to establish Scott Base at Butter Point was stopped by poor sea ice conditions. It was the combined support and ingenuity of Sir Edmund and Rear Admiral George Dufek which helped find the current location of Scott Base on Pram Point; 3km from McMurdo Station.
The New Zealand Defence Force has been involved with New Zealand’s Antarctic efforts from the beginning. The men from the HMNZS ENDEAVOUR , the NZ Army, and the flight crews of the RNZAF began the long standing tradition when they set sail for Antarctica in 1956. Erik Barnes, Manager Antarctic Programme says, “Antarctica NZ is proud to work with such dedicated men and women from the NZ Defence Forces. Scott Base and New Zealand’s Antarctic science programme would not be here today without their support.”
The long tradition of mutual support in Antarctica between the US and NZ militaries has carried on from that first year to today.
“Sunday’s celebration is both in remembrance of the greater sacrifices NZ and US military personnel have given to their nations, and to remember all of the support they have provided and the sacrifices made by each in progressing human exploration and knowledge,” says Barnes.
Ends
Pictured - Posting the colours, USAF serviceman, LCPL Matthew McCracken as colour escort , with WO2 Mark Morton and CPL Lynley Goodwin
NZDF Statistics for 2007/2008 Season:
The NZDF provides air transport, administrative, logistic and engineering support to Antarctica NZ operations at Scott Base.
Scott Base Operational Staff 9
Light Engineers 10
Ship Offload Team 47
RNZAFC-130 flights 9