What were Helen Clark and co doing at Anzac ceremonies 30 years ago?

Stephen Franks
Wednesday, 27 April 2005
Press Releases - Defence

I was astonished this morning to hear Defence Minister Mark Burton laying into Dr Brash for politicising Anzac Day, ACT MP Stephen Franks said today.

I was at that dawn service and heard Dr Brash s mild comments. Anzac Day has been a day of debate about defence priorities since it was first celebrated, Mr Franks said.

Veterans concerned about the human cost of being ill prepared have tried to warn complacent New Zealand on many occasions in Anzac Day speeches.

I am truly surprised that any senior Labour figure would risk drawing attention to the way Labour ministers have treated Anzac Day. I ll wager that more than one of them would have been among the anti-war demonstrators, who spent many Anzac Day mornings 30 years ago, making misery for speakers and veterans at Anzac ceremonies around the country.

I know because I was there, Mr Franks said.

ENDS

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