Tribute08 will be held in Wellington from 30 May to 1 June and will mark a milestone in New Zealand?s history. It will be the first occasion in which veterans will receive official recognition of their service in Vietnam. The event will also be a unique opportunity for veterans to meet old mates and share memories. It will be a special time for family members, who will be able to talk to other families about their experiences, and renew acquaintances made at previous reunions.
Programme
Friday 30 May 2008
* Check In all day (9am to 11pm) at the TSB Bank Arena, Queens Wharf.
* Collect Registration Packs and visit the EVSA and Tribute08 booths.
* Launch of the book Voices of Vietnam hosted by Willson Scott Publishing early afternoon at the TSB Bank Arena, Queens Wharf.
* The Civic Welcome from 4pm at Civic Square followed by Beating of Retreat at sunset.
* Sub-Unit Family Gatherings starting at 6pm at the TSB Bank Arena, Queens Wharf. Food and beverage available.
Saturday 31 May 2008
The Tribute including:
The Honour March to Parliament. Gather in Sub-Units at Civic Square from 9am and begin marching at 10am along Willis Street and Lambton Quay to arrive at Parliament at 11am.
At Parliament from 11am, the Whakanoa will acknowledge the New Zealanders who gave their lives in Vietnam. It will be an important part of the spiritual healing aimed at helping to free Vietnam veterans from the tapu of war. This will be followed by the Parliamentary Welcome by the Prime Minister, Helen Clark. The Vigil will then begin, in which the families of those killed in action will carry photos of their loved ones to the Legislative Council Chamber where they can be honoured and remembered by family, veterans and the public until midnight Saturday.
Proceedings at Parliament will conclude about midday with sub-unit photo sessions and refreshments in or near Parliament grounds.
The EVSA Biennial General Meeting will begin with a buffet lunch at about 1.30pm at the James Cook Grand Chancellor on The Terrace. All EVSA members welcome. The general meeting commences at 2.00pm.
Sub-Unit Family Reunions will begin from 3.30pm at various RVs (Rendezvous) in Wellington City. These reunions are being managed by the Sub-Unit representatives and will include various formal and informal proceedings.
Goodnight Vietnam Concert at 8.00pm at the TSB Bank Arena will be a nostalgic 60s ? 70s music and entertainment show featuring Australian pop legend Russell Morris and supported by covers band Super Model and members of the NZ Army band. Other artists include Ray Columbus, Suzanne Lynch and the multi-talented Frankie Stevens.
Sunday 1 June
The conclusion of The Vigil where the photos of those who lost their lives in Vietnam will be taken to the National War Memorial in Buckle Street.
The Memorial Service: People will form up before 9.00am for the 9.30am service at the National War Memorial, Buckle Street. This will be followed by a march to the Basin Reserve (south end of Cambridge/Kent Tce).
The Commemoration and Celebration: From 10.30am Vietnam veterans and their families will be honoured by the public and dignitaries followed by a NZDF ceremony and entertainment. The formal part of the celebration should conclude at midday with the entertainment continuing to 1pm.
The Exhibition ? Vietnam: Not Just a 12 Month Tour
From Thursday 29 May to 8 June the public can visit the exhibition Vietnam: Not Just a 12 Month Tour, at The Academy of Fine Arts at Queens Wharf. Public admission by koha.
The exhibition will highlight issues associated with the effects of the Vietnam War on veterans and issues of healing from these effects.
It will portray veteran experiences through photographic displays, text and information stations including oral histories from Vietnam veterans, international and New Zealand context of the Vietnam War, units that served in Vietnam, artillery equipment and soldier stories and a 1960s-70s TV lounge showing newsreels and documentary footage on Vietnam.
For further information about Tribute08:
www.tribute08.comThis page was last reviewed on 16 May 2008 and is current.
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