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Vietnam War veterans marched to ceremonies at Parliament today to applause from onlookers while a small group of protesters stood silently.
About 1000 veterans and 1500 supporters and family members are in Wellington for a Tribute08 commemoration weekend following the apology from the Crown this week which was formally accepted by veterans today.
"It was a huge contrast to when they returned home. Many of the veterans returned home in the dead of night and were told to go back to civilian life quietly," said spokesman Fraser Carson.
The day was emotional for veterans and their families. About forty members of a family in Northland had driven to Wellington and others had come from around New Zealand and abroad.
The Whakanoa Ceremony today was the highlight of the weekend honouring the contribution made by veterans and their families.
"The Whakanoa itself was really about the spiritual healing, helping to lift, if you like, the tapu of war and honour the 37 who were killed in action," Mr Carson said.
The 37 who died were represented by photographs carried to the Legislative Council Chamber of Parliament by next of kin.
Their names were read out with the date they died. The photographs stay on display until midnight.
"It is about acknowledging these people and the service they have done," Mr Carson said.
In a rare show of unanimity, all political parties in Parliament this week supported a Crown apology for the lack of recognition for the service of the Vietnam veterans, and for the inadequate support shown to them and their families after they returned home.
There is a Goodnight Vietnam concert at the TSB Bank Arena tonight and other events on this weekend.
Nearly 3400 New Zealanders served in Vietnam during the war between June 1964 and December 1972.
About 187 were wounded, some very seriously, and many personnel suffered long-term effects.
- NZPA
