A large number of Viet Nam veterans braved wintry weather to attend the inaugural Viet Nam Veterans Commemoration at the National War Memorial in Wellington on Thursday, 18 August 2011.
The ceremony, which was also attended by dignitaries, politicians, and Defence personnel, began with the mounting of the catafalque guard and arrival of the official guests in the Hall of Memories.
Rear Admiral David Ledson delivered the prologue saying that Viet Nam was the first conflict where New Zealand did not fight with Britain and where our defence ties with the US were formed and those with Australia strengthened.
Among the wreaths laid was one by RSA President Lieutenant General (rtd) Donald McIvor, representing New Zealand Viet Nam veterans. Wreaths were also laid by Culture and Heritage Minister Chris Finlayson, Major General Tim Keating, and Ingrid Gerritsen and Tuterangi Pleydell, representing the grandchildren of Viet Nam veterans and the youth of New Zealand.
Captain Lindsay Skinner read the roll of honour, solemnly reading all the names of those who lost their lives during the conflict.
At the conclusion of the ceremony the official party laid roses on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.
The Viet Nam War was New Zealand's longest and most controversial war. By the time New Zealand withdrew its combat forces in 1971, over 3,500 had served there; 187 were wounded and 37 died.
New Zealand's commitment included 161 Bty, RNZA, two infantry companies deployed in succession from 1 RNZIR over the period May 67 to December 71 (V and W Companies ), an SAS detachment (4 Troop, NZSAS), and a tri-Service medical team (1st New Zealand Services Medical Team) plus a number of support roles within 1st Australian Task Force.
The RNZAF provided support with 40 Squadron carrying out transport tasks to and within Vietnam. No 41 Sqn RNZAF, a transport squadron, provided support to NZ forces in Vietnam prior to 1971 and continued to operate into Vietnam until the final evacuation of Saigon on 21 Apr 1975. A small number of RNZAF personnel also served as helicopter pilots or forward air controllers.