U.S. INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATED

NZAA Chairman Greg Crott(left) with U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission David Keegan(right)

Members of the NZAA gathered with friends and family to celebrate Independence Day. The association was both delighted and privileged to host Ambassador McCormick, Deputy Chief of Mission Dave Keegan, and several staff from the U.S Embassy, as they celebrated the 4th of July with us.

"You'd never guess it when you look out the window, but with the warmth, and friendship and family - it feels just like the 4th of July in here," one said, dismissing concerns that the Cook Strait storm raging outside might make the celebration seem out of place.

The event was a tremendous success, with over a hundred Kiwis and Americans enjoying the celebrations and promising to return next year.

(more about Independence Day)

NZAA COMMEMORATES MEMORIAL DAY

(L- R) Ambassador William P. McCormick; Hon. Phil Goff; Joan Ellis, author of a String of Pearls; SSgt Leon Banta, U.S. Embassy Marine Detachment Commander.

Greg Crott, NZAA Chairman, with Marines from the US Embassy Guard Detachment.

On Monday 26 May the New Zealand American Association held a service of Commemoration for Memorial Day in Old St Paul's historic church in Thorndon. Memorial day is held in honor of all Americans who have died in war.

Hon. Phil Goff represented the New Zealand government and laid a wreath. Other wreaths were laid by representatives from the New Zealand Defence Force, The Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association, The Mayors of Wellington, Hutt City, Upper Hutt, Porirua, and the Kapiti Coast. The New Zealand American Association and the US Ambassador also laid a wreath.

American Ambassador William P.McCormick in his address referred to the thousands of US Marines who passed through New Zealand on their way to battles in the Pacific and reflected that the New Zealand people gave them their last sense of home.

(more about Memorial Day)

ANZAC DAY WREATH LAYING
FRIDAY, 25 APRIL, 2008.

The NZAA wreath laid at the Wellington Cenotaph. The dedication reads "In remembrance of the New Zealand and American forces who joined together and paid the supreme sacrifice defending our country and preserving our freedom".

The New Zealand American Association, represented by the Hon. Rob Talbot and Mrs Edith Hall, laid a wreath at the Wellington cenotaph on ANZAC Day. Every ANZAC Day the NZAA joins with New Zealanders everywhere to commemorate those who gave their lives to defend our country and fight tyranny.

"Our respect for those who fought, and for the day which commemorates them, cannot be overstated," said the Hon Rob Talbot. "As the NZAA we feel a particular duty to pay our respects because of the comradeship built between ANZAC and US servicemen. In many ways, our friendship is one first forged in the fires of two terrible wars."

Americans can probably best relate to ANZAC Day by considering it the equivalent of a combination of Memorial and Veterans Days. More information about ANZAC day can be found here.

RESTORATION AND REOPENING OF THE MT. VICTORIA LOOKOUT AND BYRD MEMORIAL
WEDNESDAY, 21 NOVEMBER, 2007.

Pictured at the Byrd Memorial atop Mt Victoria are, left to right, Ray O'Brien, Trustee; Greg Crott, Chairman NZAA & Trustee; Rob Talbot Chairman NZAA Trusts; Anita Robertson, NZAA Committee; Mayor Kerry Prendergast, John Gordon, Trustee; and Larry Keim, NZAA Deputy Chairman.

Speaking at the official reopening ceremony of the Mt. Victoria Lookout and Admiral Byrd Memorial. The Honorable Rob Talbot, the Chairman of the Byrd Memorial Trustees, congratulated the Wellington City Council on the impressive restoration of one of Wellington's top tourist attractions and historic sites.
The New Zealand American Association and the Memorial Trusts have had a long association with the construction and dedication since 1962 when the Richard E. Byrd Fellowship chaired by Mr. Tracey Simpson sponsored the memorial. In 1993 the memorial was again restored with the addition of the ceramic tiles designed by artist Doreen Blumhardt.
Of historic significance in 2007 at today's ceremony is the message received at the original dedication in 1963 from the President John F. Kennedy who stated that "The Richard E. Byrd Memorial would always be a symbol of enduring friendship between the United States and New Zealand".
Rob Talbot congratulated Mayor Kerry Prendergast and the Wellington City Council on the major restoration project incorporating the Byrd Memorial, thereby ensuring a continuing strong bond between New Zealand and the United States of America.
In further recognition of New Zealand's historic links with Admiral Richard Byrd, the NZAA's Trusts will in April 2008 be sponsoring a visit to New Zealand by the eminent US scientist and world authority on global climate change, Dr Lonnie Thompson from Byrd Polar Institute, Ohio State University. During his New Zealand visit Dr. Thompson, who in 2007 was awarded the US National Medal of Science by President Bush, will be associated with Assoc. Professor Dr. Gary Wilson, Otago University, and speak to New Zealand scientists on world climate change and issues related to Antarctica. The New Zealand American Association and the United States Embassy will be hosting Dr. Thompson at events in Wellington.
From today forward the Richard E. Byrd Memorial will continue to be a historic beacon and guiding symbol of friendship between New Zealand and the United States of America.

NZAA Ladies Auxiliary Meeting

Gail McCormick, wife of American Ambassador William McCormick, was the
guest speaker at a recent meeting of the NZAA Ladies Auxiliary. She spoke about her first-hand experiences on the challenges of swimming the English Channel. Stories relating to the achievements of physically disadvantaged people who undertake the swim made this a very special occasion. Pictured, left to right: Joan Gillies, Kelsey Bowen of the American Embassy; Gail McCormick; Norah Hollick and Sylvia Jones.