Kapiti US Marines Trust and the New Zealand American Association observed the 82nd anniversary of Memorial Day since the ‘Friendly Invasion’ of US Armed Forces in New Zealand in 1942 with a Wreath laying Service at the US Marines’ Memorial in Queen Elizabeth Park on May 27.
Over 75 guests joined by pairs of fantails swooping overhead to share the service. Speakers included: the Chargé D'affaires of the United States Embassy, David Gehrenbeck, Otaki MP, Tim Costley and Kapiti Mayor, Janet Holborow.
Names of the Sailors who died in a tragic training incident on Whareroa Beach in 1943 were read by members of the No.49 District of Kāpiti, Air Training Corps.
Wreaths were laid by representatives of the Embassy of the United States of America, New Zealand Government, New Zealand American Association, Paraparaumu Memorial RSA, Kapiti Coast District Council, and the Kapiti United States Marines Trust.
A flag lowering and raising ceremony was conducted by members of the US Marine Security Detachment at the US Embassy Wellington and the No.49 District of Kāpiti, Air Training Corps. The service concluded with a recitation of the Prayer of Eleanor Roosevelt.
After the ceremony, guests shared morning tea in Ramaroa (the Park Centre) and viewed a screening of Meet New Zealand, a film commissioned by the Trust and directed by Steve La Hood using footage from the Norm Hatch Collection – featured on this website.
Norman J. Hatch was on active duty in the US Marine Corps when he led a group of photographers and cinematographers in New Zealand in 1943. They all contributed to the Hatch collection, which depicts experiences of US Marines in New Zealand in 1943. Mr. Hatch went on to shoot an award-winning documentary on the Battle of Tarawa and continued his illustrious film-making career for many years in America.
Grateful thanks to:
Janet Holborow, Mayor, Kapiti Coast District Council
Tim Costley MP
David Gehrenbeck, Chargé D'affaires United States Embassy
US Marine Corps Security Guard Detachment Wellington
New Zealand American Association
No.49 District of Kāpiti, Air Training Corps
Members of Paraparaumu Memorial RSA
Kāpiti US Marines Trust, trustees and volunteers