Kiwis, Australians Mark 50th Anniversary Of Vietnam War

A New Zealand Vietnam veterans delegation has joined forces with some of their former Australian colleagues in Canberra to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

The veterans attended an early morning Stand To service at the Australian National War Memorial, followed by the National Service at the Australian Vietnam War Memorial on Anzac Parade. The New Zealand Defence Force was represented by Chief of Army Major General (MAJGEN) Peter Kelly.

MAJGEN Kelly said it was humbling to be with the veterans in Canberra.

“To be amongst our veterans from Vietnam and those who fought in the Battle of Long Tan and those who served in Vietnam, it’s special to them and it’s special to us. I’m, very conscious of the legacy that we’ve inherited and it’s our challenge to always live up to that legacy.”

Highlights of the National Service included personnel from 16 Field Regiment Royal New Zealand Artillery, with batteries from the Australian and United States armies, simulating a firing exercise on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, a ceremonial party laying service hats on rifles to represent a selection of Vietnam fallen and a fly past featuring C-130s, an Iroquois helicopter and a B-52 bomber.

ENDS