News you may be able to use

Did you know there's an annual event in Southend-On-Sea to commemorate Pearl Harbour? Until today, I didn't.

The Royal Naval Association (RNA) Southend-On-Sea conducts the yearly event because back in 1981, a "shipmate" had visited the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor and while there, he presented the Memorial authorities with a branch plaque. In return, the RNA Southend branch was presented with a U.S. flag that had been flown over the Memorial at the time of his visit, together with the state flag of Hawaii.

Following this exchange, the RNA Southend chapter decided to organize an annual event to commemorate the December 7th attacks and honor those who lost their lives.

Since the beginning of this memorial, the association has received a Citation of Merit from the Secretary of the U.S. Navy in 1987, and a personal letter from President William J. Clinton in 1995, thanking the UK citizens for remembering the US’ fallen veterans.

Each year, Sailors of Commander, U.S. Naval Activities, head down to Southend to take part in the parade march from the RNA club to St. Mary’s church where a memorial service is held. This year’s ceremony is to take place with approximately 35 Sailors along with a color guard detail to parade the national ensigns of the United Kingdom and United States while in route from the club to the church and back.