division of public opinion leading to the negative treatment of Vietnam War veterans in NZ
Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day service 2011
- Key Idea: The division of public opinion leading to the negative treatment of
Vietnam War veterans in NZ was a key consequence of protest against the Vietnam
War in NZ.
The effect of the movement was significant on NZ society. With the momentum the Anti-Vietnam War protest movement had gained soldiers came back to a nation that was divided like never before, with thousands marching in opposition in the last years of the war and questioning the government's alliance with the USA in a first for NZ society.
Due to their role in the unpopular war, coming back to the divided nation some of those against the war labelled Veterans 'baby-killers' and 'warmongers'. Even the Returned Services Association (RSA) would not acknowledge them. Following the war many of these veterans suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. Agent Orange, a defoliant to remove jungle cover was also found to be extremely toxic with over 600 of the 3400 veterans dying from the cancers associated in the subsequent decades. Consequently many veterans felt incredibly bitter towards the public's treatment. It was not till 2008 that they were officially welcomed home.
Below is a video of an apology made by the New Zealand government to those who served in the then Republic of Vietnam which outlines the treatment of New Zealand's Vietnam Veterans who were 'unacknowledged' and 'often treated with hostility'.