MEDIA RELEASE 19th October 2007

Armistice Day commemorated at Auckland War Memorial Museum 

Auckland War Memorial Museum remembers one of the most important days in human history with a significant symposium and a number of special talks and activities

The First World War was one of the most disastrous events in human history. New Zealand, with a population of 1.1 million in 1914, sent 100,000 men and women abroad - 16,700 died and over 40,000 were wounded, a higher per capita casualty rate than any other country involved.  The coming of peace on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 brought blessed relief for all involved.

Armistice Day on 11 November has become a universal time of commemoration. For the New Zealand Defence Forces  and Auckland Museum, this is a day of special reverence to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of all those who have died serving New Zealand in World War I and all other armed conflicts. It also provides a moment of reflection to remember New Zealand service people currently serving on operational missions overseas.  Visitors are invited to attend the service scheduled to commence at 10.50am in the World War I Sanctuary.

Over the past three years Auckland Museum has commemorated this  important historical event with  the Armistice Symposium; bringing people together to investigate the complexities of war and peace through debates highlighting topics involving current and past conflicts. The 4th annual Armistice Symposium will be held on Friday 9 November and explores New Zealand and United States relationships with the topic- “Very, very very, good friends”?

The symposium  will explore the relationship between both countries from a business and defense viewpoint and draws from the knowledge and experience of such esteemed speakers as the Deputy Chief of Mission from the American Embassy Dr David Keegan, Secretary of Defence John McKinnon and Dr. Kate Dewes O.N.Z.M, director of the Peace Foundation Disarmament and Security Centre.

The Museum will also be holding guided tours around the WW1 gallery throughout the weekend.

For more information regarding registration for the symposium, events and schedules throughout the weekend, please visit www.aucklandmuseum.com

Ends

© Scoop Media