Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Vietnam Veterans’ Day will be marked by a national commemoration on Monday 18 August held at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington.
“Nau mai ki Pukeahu, please join us at this year’s national commemoration to mark Vietnam Veterans’ Day at Pukeahu,” says Glenis Philip-Barbara, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage Deputy Secretary Māori Crown Partnerships.
“2025 marks 60 years since 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery arrived in Vietnam. The Battery was based in Biên Hòa air base, and attached to the US 173rd Airborne Brigade.
“This year also marks 50 years since the end of Aotearoa New Zealand’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
“The civilian surgical team was the last unit to leave Vietnam in March 1975, followed by embassy staff who were evacuated from Saigon in April 1975,” says Philip-Barbara.
Thirty-nine New Zealanders lost their lives during the conflict, including two civilians serving with the Red Cross and civilian surgical team. Many others were wounded with some impacts of war continuing to affect New Zealanders and the people of Vietnam to this day.
“The Vietnam War had a significant political and cultural impact for New Zealand and the world. This national commemoration is an opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of New Zealanders and all those impacted by the Vietnam War,” says Philip-Barbara.
About the event:
People wishing to attend this year’s commemoration are asked to arrive at the Hall of Memories at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park by 10.45am for an 11.00am start.
Please note that the Carillon Tower is currently closed for seismic strengthening. The Hall of Memories was strengthened in 2015 and is safe to enter.
