ANZAC Day 2018 Pearl Harbor commemorative visit and tour
Kia Ora, Aloha and Gidday Shipmates!
After our very successful celebrations in support of the RNZN 75th Anniversary, it was decided that our ‘Old Salts’ group should live on. Old Salts will remain an informal but recognised group with a mission to arrange future events of interest to Ex-Royal New Zealand Naval Veterans and those who served.
The name ‘Old Salts’ was claimed in memory of the late Denis Kean CPO RNZNVR, who was a leading light and social secretary for many ex-Naval men in the Auckland region.
ANZAC Day 2018 Pearl Harbor
Following many requests, the Old Salts have decided to organize a 7-day visit to Hawaii to take part in the United States ANZAC Day commemorations to be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (informally known as the Punchbowl Cemetery) at Diamond Head, near Honolulu.
The US commemorations focus on honouring those lost during the Battle for the Pacific. They also respect and honour our ANZACs. Since the cemetery was dedicated on September 2, 1949, approximately 53,000 Second World War, Korean War, Vietnam War veterans, along with casualties from other conflicts and their dependents have been interred there.
The cemetery serves as a memorial to honour those men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces, and those who have given their lives in doing so.
Thousands of New Zealanders fought in the Pacific War in the 1940s. Our ships operated under both American and British Command during the operations in the Pacific.
Each year the organisation for events on ANZAC Day at Pearl Harbor rotates from USA, to Australia and to New Zealand. In 2018 it is being co-ordinated by New Zealand – which makes it an ideal time for us to go, especially as many of us will have served on RNZN ships doing work-ups in Pearl Harbor.
ANZAC Day 2018 will provide an excellent opportunity for all personnel, their families and guests to reflect on those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and those who have served and continue to serve defending Australia’s and New Zealand’s interests. It is also an opportunity to partake in traditional ANZAC Day festivities, catch up with old mates, and make new friends while socializing in a relaxed tropical environment. It remains one of the major events where Australia, New Zealand, the ADF and NZDF are on public display to the Honolulu and US community.
COST
We will fly and stay as a group. Numbers are restricted to 52 (a coach) in the first instance, or if demand requires, extend to another coach.
We’re travelling Air NZ because they have civilised flight times on the new Dreamliner. We’ll be staying in the Waikiki-based Hilton Garden Inn, within walking distance of the shops and beach.
Subject to confirmation, but for budget purposes, the cost will be around $4,100 per head, including accommodation and breakfast, all transfers, tours and events. Other meals and refreshments where not already noted are additional.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Personal travel and cancellation insurance is compulsory for this trip. (To be be arranged by you. Not included in quoted cost.)
Our tentative Tour programme will be along these lines:
21 April Saturday – Depart Auckland, arrive Hawaii.
22 April Sunday – Day off to recover and have a look around; and maybe a social cocktail gathering.
23 April Monday – Stars and Stripes Tour; visit the Arizona memorial and the Battleship Missouri.
24 April Tuesday – Visit the Pacific Aviation Museum.
25 April Wednesday – ANZAC Day Services hosted by NZDF (see below).
26 April Thursday – Polynesian Island tour or evening cruise around Ford Island.
27 April Friday – Shopping tour with a farewell dinner that night.
28 April Saturday – Depart Honolulu.
29 April Sunday – Arrive Auckland.
ANZAC Day Services – Hosted by the NZDF
0430 Depart for the Dawn Service Diamond Head (Medals and badges).
O/C Guests to Gunfire breakfast at the Hawaii National Guard facility.
1000 ANZAC ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
1200 ANZAC Day reception at the Battleship Missouri, Ford Island. Lunch.
1500 Gathering at a services type club. (TBC)
Expressions of Interest
In the first instance, we are seeking expressions of interest from those who would seriously like to participate in this one-off occasion to retrace your steps down memory lane and visit Pearl Harbor.
The tour is open to all veterans and those who served in the RNZN along with their partner/spouse or friends. Because of the size of the tour we will need to call for a deposit by June 30, 2017 to secure airline travel and accommodation, with final payments by December 20, 2017.
Please register your expressions of interest now.
Complete and return THIS FORM (PDF click to download)
to Jill Thompson as soon as possible.
Jill Thompson 09 836 5191 jillt.nz49@gmail.com
Stand by for further pipes.
— Keith Ingram on behalf of Old Salts Ex-RNZN
Phone 0274 584747 or 09 533 4336
Commemorative Polo shirts
We have a limited supply of OLD SALTS navy blue polo shirts.
ORDER YOURS NOW!
Download order form here
Dark Navy Blue (of course) with white Old Salts 75th logo on chest and William C Daldy logo on right sleeve.
Unisex sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL and 5XL
$30 each plus $7.50 P&H.
PAYMENT WITH ORDER.
Join the mailing list
If you’ve received this newsletter from a friend, follow this link HERE to join the Old Salts ex-RNZN 75th mailing list. Or send an email to keith@skipper.co.nz.
