31 October 2008
The General Secretary of the Normandy Veterans Association (UK) Mr Peter Hodge, Master Mariner, will be joined by representatives from the United Kingdom, Canada, France, United States, Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand and New Zealand Cadet Forces at a commemorative service for Normandy Veterans at 11.00 am on Sunday 2 November 2008.
Mr Hodge will lay a commemorative wreath at the National War Memorial in Wellington on behalf of all the 83 (UK) Branches of the Normandy Veterans Association (NVA) and the NVANZ Branch.
“A number of NVA branches are been forced into closure due to dwindling membership numbers but the NVANZ Branch is determined to keep going,” said Honorary Life President of the Normandy Veterans Association of New Zealand Mr David Christison, Legion d’Honneur.
“The NVA has enabled them to enjoy the continuity of comradeship, remembrance and support for those in need.
“The visit of the NVA (UK) General Secretary provides an opportunity for NVANZ members to reunite and to demonstrate their resolve to continue to keep alive their mutual friendship born out of their past experiences.
“At least 30 of the 46 known D Day survivors will be in attendance at the 65th Anniversary of D Day Landings celebrations in Wellington next year.”
Around 10,000 New Zealand Air Force and Navy personnel served with the British ships and air force squadrons which supported the D-Day landings. The allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944 remains the largest amphibious military operation ever attempted.
ENDS
For further information please contact Ally Clelland, Defence Public Relations on 04 496 0273 or 021 569 130.