Alexander Turnbull Library, War History Collection DA-03290

Members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force on the waterfront in Trieste.

17 JANUARY 2005

Trieste 2005

Veterans' Affairs New Zealand (VANZ) has advised that no official New Zealand party will be going to Trieste. There will therefore not be any ballot of veterans held by the RNZRSA.

Our Heroes to commemorate end of World War II in Trieste

Established in April 2004 to return the veterans of the Italian Campaign to Monte Cassino, Our Heroes is now registered as a charitable trust. They are taking another group to Trieste in May-June 2005 to commemorate the end of the Second World War in Europe.

The group will comprise of 50 fully funded veterans who may not be able to afford to take the trip otherwise, 15 school children who will come from schools throughout New Zealand and 80 others who are made up of self-funded veterans and family members.

The group will be accompanied by a full support team, which will include two doctors, three nurses, a St John paramedic, a spiritual advisor and physiotherapist. A 24 hour medical clinic will be available to all tour participants.

The itinerary will include Rome, Monte Cassino, Milan, Florence, Venice and focus on the local commemorations in Trieste.

Major General Sandy Thomas has given his agreement to be Patron of Our Heroes Trust.

Please note that this is a private tour and anyone interested in making the trip should immediately contact Ruth Sullivan on tollfree 0508 190 190 or 021 375 626 or email her on Sullir@xtra.co.nz. Full references regarding the safety and security of veterans are readily available.