MN day in NZ

[Ronnie Grant]

Yesterday Brian alerted us all to the fact that NZ had ratified September 3d for MN day here in NZ. So far I have seen or heard nothing. I get the NZ Herald, biggest paper here and I watch three news- nothing. I know there's a fair few ex MN living here through this site. Has anyone here seen or heard anything of this matter? Regards to all Ronnie.

[Doc Vernon]

Hi Ronnie
Have a look here!
Seems to all be in place!
Cheers

http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/merc...ounced-3688206

Watch Video!

http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/merc...eo?vid=3688218

[Jack Jenkins]

Hiya All,i saw the announcement about 3 days ago,I think on TV 1,not bad going,only 65 yrs late !!!

[Ronnie Grant]

Thanks Vernon and Bilges. Never picked up on that fact . It seems we ,'served out of uniform', MMM. My only uniform was my wranglers and I know now that I was light years ahead of the Teds in Musselburgh just outside Edinburgh. Vernon, do you ever sleep? Regards Ronnie

[Keith at Tregenna]

Merchant Navy Day announced Published: 6:41PM Sunday August 08, 2010
Source: ONE News

Sailors who risked their lives, out of uniform, to help fight during World War II will finally be recognised for their efforts.

A year ago ONE News took the Merchant Navy's concerns to the government, which today announced they would have their own day of remembrance.

Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Christopher Finlayson said September 3, the day the first British Merchant Navy ship sank in 1939, would now officially be recognised in New Zealand as Merchant Navy Day.

"They deserve to be recognised, they were every much part of the war effort, their contribution ensured the defeat of Hitler as much as those who served in the army, navy and the air force," said Finlayson.

Considered the fourth service, the Merchant Navy, made up of civilian ships and sailors, carried soldiers and vital supplies to Europe during World War II.

Seven New Zealand ships and more than 130 sailors were known to have been lost at sea.


http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/merc...ounced-3688206

AND

http://www.nznewsuk.co.uk/news/?id=10730

K.

[Keith at Tregenna]

MN DAY NZ ATTACHED

Attachment is in a simple word document can be bothy saved and adapted to suit all and everywhere if required.

K.

[Doc Vernon]

Hi Ronnie
As long as i get 4 hrs a night thats quite enough mate haha!
Cheers

[Ronnie Grant]

Hi all, today I attended our own MN sevice at Teal park, Tamaki drive Auckland. This is not the official day but is the nearest Sunday to the event.About forty men and women attended with a fair amount of medals between them. We sang two hymns and listened to the last post solo with a speeches in between by the port chaplain. A RNZN officer laid a wreath as did some others and then we were invited to each lay a poppy on the cenotaph and pay our own respects individually.
The official ceremony is to be held at the maritime museum at 8.30 am on the third but the port chaplain is adamant that the ceremony should be at Teal park where the cenotaph is. On that day the red duster will fly at the Auckland war memorial museum and the chaplain is trying to get the council to fly two red dusters on the harbour bridge where two huge NZ ensigns now fly daily. Regards Ronnie

[Colin Hawken]

Thanks for that info Keith.I watched the video with interest.Good to know our Kiwi mates have finally been able to join us.

[Keith at Tregenna]

Hopefully, an NZ, OZ, SA, CANADA VERSION MAY OCCUR:

Barry Dock version:

Over the Seas and Far Away

Convoys formed – brave men aboard,
Battened down to go abroad.
Sailing out from Barry port,
Leaving wives and all distraught.

CHORUS

O’er the seas and far away
The call of seas caused me to stray
So far from home and family
I only ask “Remember me!”

Britain needed us they said,
The seagulls’ cries they onwards led.
Out there we earned each crust of bread,
Though now many are the honoured dead.

CHORUS

We strived with all our might and main,
To bring our cargoes home again.
Food and weaponry supplied,
Laid down our lives, so many died.

CHORUS

So here we lie in watery grave,
Not all returned – though many saved.
Remember us – remember well,
We are the ones who gave our all.

CHORUS


Dusty Miller, Joe Earl, Barry Ladies Choir


TO THE TUNE OF: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fy3tSim3to

K.