Wellington Lest We Forget centennial supported by 7 Battalion Band tonight

The all-volunteer 7 Battalion Band Inc will play tonight (16 October) in support of the Wellington - Lest We Forget Departures centennial, which marks the centennial of the sailing of the Main Body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in World War One.

“While our band is no longer a unit of the New Zealand Army as a result of the defence cuts two years ago, being all-volunteers, we proudly retain close links to the New Zealand Army and the communities of Wellington and Hawke’s Bay,” says Letitia Isa.

“We are honoured and delighted to be playing in support of the superb ‘Wellington - Lest we Forget’ departures centennial this Thursday evening.

“On Thursday, 100 years ago, ten troopships left Wellington carrying more than 8,000 New Zealand soldiers, including past members of our band. Bandsmen served as soldiers and stretcher-bearers, while part-timing in concert parties, playing a critical role in maintaining troop morale throughout World War One.”

“The drums of the 7 Battalion Band Association Incorporated carry the battle honours awarded to the Battalion as an entity of the 1st Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment and mark the key actions New Zealand has fought in.

“This provides extra motivation for modern 7 Battalion Band Inc bandsmen and women. More so because in recent weeks, we have also supported the unveiling of the Second World War Coastwatchers memorial.

“This Thursday, the Band will be playing Great War music as we lead the delegation and members of the public from Te Papa towards Shed 1, where film footage and images of soldiers departing for the Great War will be projected onto Shed 1 at the waterfront.

“The voices of veterans and letters from departing soldiers will immerse people in the stories of those who once stood on the same waterfront, preparing for the long voyage ahead.

“It is a true honour to be part of an event our Band is so intimately associated with. It makes the experience incredibly real to think that our forebears would have been playing in more or less in the same places we will be exactly 100 years ago this Thursday evening.

“The 7 Battalion Band Incorporated we would like to genuinely thank Wellington City Council in partnership with Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision and Te Papa for this amazing experience,” Letitia Isa concluded.

Band itinerary for this evening (Thursday 16 October)

§ 615pm-630pm Te Papa Waterfront (where the band will play a selection of Great War
Music)
§ 650pm The Band will lead the delegation and members of the public to
Queens’ Wharf (TSB Arena)
§ 730pm-745pm A collection of Great War Music outside the TSB Arena
§ 745pm Band will lead the delegation and members of the public to Shed 1 for
The Wellington - Lest we Forget Departure’s projection (starting at 8pm to 1030pm)

ends

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