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Observance of 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Somme
Friday, July 01, 2016, 07:09pm
About The Event
July 1 is the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of Somme. On that single day a century ago, 20,000 British soldiers were killed and another 40,000 wounded. In all, more than 1 million soldiers would die in this 4-month battle, considered the worst battle of all of WWI.
As Europe marks the Battle of Somme centennial with grand commemorations, please join us at Hawaii’s WWI Memorial Natatorium at sunset (7:09 p.m.) to hear the playing of Taps and observe a moment of solemn gratitude for the sacrifice of so many,
We welcome visitors and local residents alike to come to Waikiki for this moment of solemn gratitude for the more than 1 million combatants who lost their lives at Somme.
WHY: This commemoration was catalyzed by a simple personal email received from an Australian gentleman named Andrew Dowling.
“I'm visiting Hawaii for vacation with my family and I'm trying to find somewhere with a link back to the horror of WW1 to recognise the 100th anniversary of that dreadful first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July, 1916. On that day, 20,000 British troops died and a further 40,000 were wounded. In all, about 1 million soldiers died in this battle over the forthcoming 4 months, almost equal to the population of Honolulu. I would like to take my little boys somewhere that day to remember this anniversary. If you have a WW1 memorial where we can lay some flowers for them that day, I'd appreciate you sending me an email to let me know. We always go to our War Memorial in Melbourne each year on 6 June to remember Jim Gavin and your 82nd Airborne plus all your other men who jumped and landed for D Day. My Father-in-Law and his parents survived the second war in a German labour camp thanks to your soldiers liberating them. Hoping you can help us out with any suggestions to remember The Somme while we're on your beautiful island on 1 July, 2016.”
WHERE: War Memorial Natatorium, 3815 Kalakaua Avenue
WHEN: Friday, July 1 at Sunset (7:09 p.m.)
WHO: In attendance will be:
- Andrew Dowling and his family.
- Bagpiper, Kim Greeley will lead the playing of Taps
- World War I Centennial Commission – Hawaii
- Friends of the Natatorium
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Category: Commemoration & Memorial Events, Hawaii
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