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Vietnam Commemoration On TVNZ

Published: Wed 28 May 2008 09:46 AM
Vietnam Commemoration On TVNZ
TVNZ is bringing viewers live and extended coverage of this weekend's milestone event Tribute08: A Vietnam Commemoration. Tribute08 will recognise the contribution and sacrifices of New Zealand's Vietnam War veterans and their families at a commemoration and reunion event in Wellington.
TVNZ's Head of Television, Jeff Latch, says that supporting events of national significance is an important part of TVNZ's position as New Zealand's public broadcaster.
"TVNZ is pleased to partner with Tribute08 to give all New Zealanders the opportunity to share in this weekend's ceremonies and events, to honour the New Zealanders who served in the Vietnam War. Tribute08 is important to help New Zealanders understand their history.
"The live broadcast on TVNZ 7, and the highlights programme on TV ONE, will not only provide coverage of the weekend's events, but will bring to life some of the personal stories of the people who served in the war, and the impacts of that on their families."
Tribute08 chairman Chris Mullane is delighted to have TVNZ's support for Tribute08.
"Tribute08 is a significant and valuable event for New Zealand as a nation. It is fantastic that our national broadcaster is supporting this weekend's celebrations, and making it possible for those Vietnam veterans who can't make the trip to Wellington to still be a part of the commemorations."
Mullane strongly believes it will help the ongoing healing process for all participants, and New Zealand as a nation.
"I believe veterans want their story told. It is a unique story. Tribute08 is about getting that story out there."
TVNZ 7, TVNZ's factual digital channel launched on 31 March this year, will provide live coverage of Saturday's events with Tribute08 LIVE. Commencing at 10.10am, the coverage will include footage of The Honour March where veterans will march from Wellington's Civic Square to Parliament, and the Whakanoa (healing) ceremony inside Parliament Grounds which includes a Parliamentary Welcome and special ceremony acknowledging the New Zealanders who gave their lives in Vietnam.This live coverage will be interspersed with pre-recorded 'real life' stories of people who were involved in, and affected by, the Vietnam War.
On Monday 2 June at 12.30pm, TV ONE screens Tribute08: Out From The Darkness. Hosted by Mark Sainsbury, this provides highlights of the weekend's events, background about the Vietnam War, and tales of the Vietnam War veterans' own experiences and fight for recognition, told by the veterans themselves and their families. This programme will also feature part of the official welcome ceremony, as well as footage of the veterans and their families at the informal reunions being held around Wellington; highlights from the Vietnam-era concert, the Memorial Service at the National War Memorial, and the official commemoration and celebration at the Basin Reserve on Sunday. Tribute08: Out From The Darkness also screens on TVNZ 7 Monday night at 10.10pm, and Tuesday morning at 1.10pm.
TVNZ will stream Tribute08: LIVE online to residents in Australasia via the TVNZ website tvnz.co.nz. Both Tribute08: LIVE and Tribute08: Out From The Darkness will be available to view at tvnzondemand.co.nz.
TVNZ 7 is available on the Freeview platform.
For more information go to www.tvnz.co.nz or www.tribute08.com.
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