Labour: Honouring our veterans
Labour is committed to honouring the veterans who have served our country around the world, Prime Minister Helen Clark
and Veterans' Affairs Minister George Hawkins said today. Labour's Veterans Affairs policy is being released today.
Over the past six years Labour has made the well-being of veterans a priority, through the establishment of case
management services to support veterans, and their families.
"Labour in government will continue to develop this highly successful case management system, and additional funding has
been provided for that in Budget 2005," Helen Clark and George Hawkins said.
"We have worked closely with veterans to ensure they receive the health and other entitlements they need and deserve. We
will also be delivering a formal apology to Vietnam veterans, acknowledging that they were exposed to a toxic
environment.
"During Labour's two terms in government we have ensured that New Zealand appropriately commemorates the significant
military engagements overseas in which our people served. Those events are a significant part of our nation’s history
and must not be forgotten.
"Labour will continue to ensure that veterans' perspectives are included in planning the events around major
commemorations.
"Labour has enabled the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior to be built and dedicated, as a tribute to all those who have laid
down their lives for New Zealand.
"Now we are working on the establishment of the New Zealand War Memorial Park, adjacent to the National War Memorial,
and the Tomb.
"We are also developing a New Zealand Memorial at Hyde Park Corner in London to remember the contribution and sacrifice
made by New Zealand alongside Britain and its defence, especially during the two World Wars of the twentieth century.
"As well a New Zealand Memorial at the United Nations War Cemetery in Pusan, Korea is being dedicated this November.
"The overwhelming public response to the return of the Unknown Warrior, and to other commemorations, also represents a
growing understanding of the impact war has had in shaping the country New Zealand is today.
"I have been proud to lead delegations of veterans to commemorations and to encourage young people to take an interest
in and understand what happened to earlier generations.
"Labour has also adopted the Royal New Zealand RSA's proposal to designate 2006 as the 'Year of the Veteran', in order
to focus further attention on the contributions veterans have made to our nation," Helen Clark and George Hawkins said.