Focus shifts to Vietnam War
Opponents to New Zealand’s involvement in the Vietnam War may have to revisit their stance as the focus of Anzac Day moves away from the World Wars.
Cambridge RSA President Bill McMillan said a generational change may confront some people over their past views and beliefs, particularly around the Vietnam War.
There was now just a small number of World War II veterans, most approaching their 90s or even older, McMillan said.
Numbers of people attending Anzac Day Dawn Services was increasing though and it was a move McMillan was happy about.
It was likely the generation of soldiers who served in conflicts following World War II would form the largest group of veterans to feature in future Anzac Days.
But New Zealand’s involvement in wars in Korea (1950-53), Malaysia (1946-60) and Vietnam (1956-75) was not palatable at the time to the citizens of this country. As Vietnam veteran, McMillan recalled when New Zealand troops returned home.
‘‘No one wanted to know, New Zealanders’ viewpoint was very clear. Vietnam was a war many thought we should not have been involved in.’’
McMillian said the soldiers who served ‘‘had no choice but to take part’’.
McMillian believed the RSA still had an important role to play to support war veterans.
He was encouraged by the generosity of Cambridge people who contributed to the RSA welfare fund financially, through Poppy Day.
‘‘Without their support, honestly, we could not do the work we do,’’ he said.
The Cambridge RSA remained operating despite closing its clubrooms, which had proved to be a burden, about 12 years ago.
‘‘Our organisation is about helping people, not bricks and mortar,’’ he said.
The RSA continued on with its ceremonial and welfare work.
McMillian said assisting war veterans and the widows of exservicemen with some expenses was the practical side of the RSA’s work.
‘‘We can assist in some way towards the costs associated with glasses, hearing aids and the odd set of teeth.’’ Anything more substantial like housing or disability aids, requests were directed through the Government’s Department of Veteran Affairs.
‘‘An essential part of what we do is to keep in touch and support war veterans,’’ McMillen said.
‘‘All war is horrible, it’s the reason we ensure we visit veterans regularly.’’
He paid tribute to the RSA long-serving secretary Nelson Goodley who ensured regular visits were made to war veterans.
During his rounds, he often picked up information about a serviceman who may have transferred to Cambridge with family members.
‘‘It is important we keep in touch with these servicemen and they with us.’’
Each month a group of exservice personnel meet for an afternoon for comradeship at either Prince Albert or Five Stags Tavern pubs.