Tribute08 – recognition for Vietnam veterans
The contribution and sacrifices of New Zealand’s Vietnam War veterans and their families is to be recognised at
Tribute08, a commemoration and reunion event, to be held during Queen’s Birthday Weekend in Wellington.
The event will mark a milestone in New Zealand’s history. It will be the first occasion in which veterans will receive
official recognition of their service in Vietnam. It will also acknowledge that veterans and their families have not
been treated fairly in New Zealand since the war ended more than 30 years ago.
Tribute08 will be in Wellington from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June 2008. Hundreds of veterans, most bringing members of
their family, have already registered and many more are expected at the event, which will be both a commemoration and a
reunion.
“Tribute08 will be of national significance,” says Organising Committee Chairman Chris Mullane, a Vietnam veteran
himself. “It will mark the point at which Vietnam veterans – and their families – receive proper recognition, with
dignity and respect, for their service, which the nation has sadly denied them in the past.”
It is also a unique opportunity for veterans to meet old mates and share memories.
“The get-togethers will undoubtedly be a highlight of the weekend, particularly at the Friday night and Saturday
afternoon sub-unit reunions,” Chris says. “It will also be a very special time for family members, who will be able to
talk to other families about their experiences, and renew acquaintances made at previous reunions.”
Tribute08 includes an honour march to Parliament on the Saturday morning, a moving whakanoa ceremony to acknowledge the
37 New Zealanders who gave their lives in Vietnam, a Sunday memorial service at the National War Memorial and a
commemoration event at the Basin Reserve. There will also be a nostalgic music and entertainment concert on the Saturday
night, and public exhibitions and displays at various venues throughout Wellington.
“We are urging all Vietnam veterans and their families to participate and help to make Tribute08 a truly memorable and
significant occasion in New Zealand's history,” Mr Mullane says.
The event has been organised with government assistance as part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in December
2006, in which the Government recognises that Vietnam veterans and their families have legitimate concerns about how
they have been treated over the past 30 years.
Mr Mullane says the MoU will bring considerable benefits to all veterans and their families – not just those who served
in Vietnam. “Maximum attendance at Tribute08 will help ensure remaining issues are kept alive so they can be continually
addressed.”
The MoU was signed by the Government, the Ex-Vietnam Services Association (EVSA) and the Royal New Zealand Returned and
Services Association (RNZRSA). It is the result of extensive consultation with veterans through a Joint Working Group
and considerable negotiation between the Government and the veterans groups, to ensure all concerns were considered.
ENDS