A string of pearls

The bombing of Pearl Harbour in December 1941 resulted in thousands of American servicemen arriving in New Zealand during WWII. Their patriotic fervour to fight for the United States far outweighed the protests of many parents who endeavoured in vain to keep their sons from going to war. Some ran away to enlist, some put up their ages, and others just wore their parents down with their determination. The war veterans regard their experiences in the Pacific to be as precious as the value owners may accord a string of pearls. Pearls are found in the islands and oceans where these young men fought and died. Their stories too are treasures worth preserving and passing to successive generations to appreciate. During the war a famous musician also wrote a piece of music called A string of pearls. The American servicemen danced to this melody, introducing the 'jitterbug' to New Zealand and initiating ties between the two nations that continue to this day.