08 August 2005
Veterans Deserve Solomons Tour
New Zealand First veteran’s affairs spokesperson Bill Gudgeon says he’s disappointed that New Zealand war veterans have
had an impending commemorative trip to the Solomon Islands cut short at the last minute.
Mr Gudgeon’s comments follow the cancellation of a three-day visit by 85 World War II veterans to the Solomon Islands
for a memorial service and visits to old battlefields and camps.
“Instead of honouring our men who fought so bravely and allowing them to commemorate the sacrifices they made on the
battlefields in the Solomons, it would seem the emphasis is being placed on saving a buck.
“Many of these men are in their 80’s and this may well be their last opportunity to go on a trip of this kind.
“The nation has a special obligation to our veterans. They made huge sacrifices for this country and many suffered as a
result of their service. Our veterans deserve to go on this tour, and it is a great insult that it has been cut short at
the last minute,” said Mr Gudgeon.
ENDS