11 August 2016

New Zealand Veteran Delegation to 50th Anniversary in Canberra of Vietnam War

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is taking 39 Vietnam veterans to Canberra to take part in Australian commemorations on 18 August. Media will be able to meet veterans when they gather in Wellington before their departure.

The New Zealand veteran delegation will attend an Australian Government reception at Parliament House on the evening of 17 August. On 18 August, the delegation will attend a dawn “Stand To” service at the Australian War Memorial at 7am and the National Service at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial on Anzac Parade at10am.

A 16 Field Regiment Royal New Zealand Artillery battery gun detachment will take part in a simulated fire mission with Australian and United States batteries from the banks of Lake Burley Griffin during the National Service.

Hon Craig Foss, Minister of Veterans’ Affairs, and Major General Peter Kelly, Chief of the New Zealand Army, will also attend the official services on 18 August.

Media wishing to interview veterans at the Silverstream Retreat, Upper Hutt, from 3.30pm Monday, 15 August, must contact Jane Keig, Senior Communications Advisor Heritage and Commemorations, on jane.keig@nzdf.mil.nz or 021 745 288 by midday Sunday, 14 August.

ENDS