Salute 70 - Remembering US Armed Forces in New Zealand
US Marine Camps Russell and Mackay, Paekakariki
A 1940s-themed festival being held in Kapiti from 26 May to14 June 2012 will commemorate the 'Friendly Invasion' of New Zealand by US Armed Forces from 1942 to 1944.
Salute 70 marks the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the troops, who were stationed, trained and convalesced in the Wellington region.
More than 15,000 were stationed at the Paekakariki Marines camps - Camp Russell (now Queen Elizabeth Park), Camp Mackay (now Whareroa Farm) and Camp Paekakariki (now Paekakariki village). Nearly 8000 more were stationed in neighbouring camps in Judgeford, Pauatahanui, Titahi Bay, and Plimmerton and at Paraparaumu Airport.
Opening in Paekakariki on Saturday May 26, with an extravaganza of 1940s music, Salute 70 is being organised by the Kapiti US Marines Trust in co-operation with Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC), the Kapiti Coast District Council (KCDC) and a range of other heritage, environment and tourism groups.
For more information about Salute 70 and the US Marines in Kapiti visit marinenz.com
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