D-Day Commemorations
A small group of Normandy veterans braved the Wellington weather to attend a special wreath-laying ceremony on Sunday 7 June 2009 to mark the 65th anniversary of D-Day. The ceremony at the National War Memorial was officiated by Principal Defence Chaplain Don Parker. Wreaths were laid by a number of official guests including the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Chris Finlayson, diplomats from the British High Commission, French Embassy, High Commission of Canada and the United States Embassy, as well has by Commodore Ross Smith, who represented the NZDF.
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VANZ Official Piper, Major Kevin Nelson pipes the NVA Colours ( 55.3KB jpg )
Veterans gather outside the National War Memorial after the service. ( 36.8KB jpg )
Veterans gathered for a group photograph ( 59.4KB jpg )
Guests place roses and poppies on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior ( 54.8KB jpg )
Veterans catch up before the Service ( 29.1KB jpg )
Wreathlaying ( 51KB jpg )
Commodore Ross Smith MNZM RNZN,laying a wreath ( 51.7KB jpg )
Floral display on a wreath ( 77.9KB jpg )