When the Vietnam war was over for Napier's Mike Perreau, he planned to come home to Dannevirke for an Anzac Day service.
On Saturday, 40 years later, Mr Perreau finally made it to an Anzac service in the town, with his wife and two sisters.
"This was a really lovely service and I'll be coming back," he said.
Having grown up in McPhee St in Dannevirke, Mr Perreau was enjoying being back "home" and reconnecting with fellow Victor 3 Company Vietnam veteran Paddy Driver, now vice-president of the Dannevirke and Districts RSA. "The day has been fantastic and the guest speaker, Colonel Paul Curry, inspiring," Mr Perreau said.
While Mr Perreau wore his Vietnam medals, his wife Margaret wore her father's World War II medals and sister Julia wore her father's medals.