Veteran supporting flag change pens open letter to 500,000 households

Change the NZ Flag Campaign Chair Lewis Holden has announced that 500,000 households will receive an open letter from flag change supporter and Vietnam war veteran, LT. Col (Rtd) Chris Mullane, next weekend.

“We are humbled to have the support of so many New Zealanders and Chris’ is truly special. As a Vietnam war veteran and President of Devonport RSA he has sacrificed and served our country in the most selfless of ways.

“Chris sees the flag referendum as a chance to put a distinctive mark of our national identity on our national flag. To him the silver fern is an emblem with significant military history, which also graces the gravestones of our 33,000 fallen servicemen and women around the world,” Mr Holden says.

Mr Mullane has expressed huge pride in being able to share his views with hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders.

"As a returned serviceman I am concerned at the false claims being made that changing the flag is disrespectful to those who have served. On active service no one is ‘fighting for the flag’. In fact, you are fighting for the values which you hold dear, your family and friends and especially for your mates alongside you and on whom your life depends.

"During my operational service in the infantry in Vietnam I never saw a New Zealand flag. Instead, we flew our unit flag - a Kiwi framed by two silver ferns.”

Mr Mullane’s open letter is included in a ‘Vote For Change’ pamphlet that also includes the 'Top 4 Reasons for Change’ and a list of some of the high profile Kiwis who are supporting the campaign.

ENDS

Change_the_Flag_Brochure_web_version.pdf

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