Numbers keep increasing for Vietnam Veterans' Day

Wednesday, 15 August 2018

The numbers of Aucklanders paying their respects to fallen soldiers in the Vietnam War are on the rise.

Thirty seven Kiwi soldiers were killed and about 3500 took part in the conflict.

Each year, hundreds head to remembrance services on Vietnam Veterans Day.

Auckland's event will be held this weekend at Manukau Memorial Gardens in south Auckland.

Veteran, and event organiser, Ken Ford said last year saw the biggest turn out yet.

'There was nearly 200 people, it's getting bigger every year and people come from all over,' he said.

Ford said people's views on the war and those that served had slowly changed over time. 

And with time, that meant more people were recognising what soldiers endured in their deployment.

Ford, who now lives in Weymouth, arrived in Vietnam in 1965.

He served in the 161st Battery as a radio operator as part of a forward observer group. He was tasked with sending coordinates back for fire support.

After eight months of deployment, he was moved and spent the rest of his time with the Australian army driving armoured personnel carriers.

Ford is one of many Vietnam veterans from all walks of life.

After his time in the army, Ford embarked on careers in fisheries and corrections.

Attendees are asked to assemble at the RSA Monument, Manukau Memorial Gardens, Papatoetoe on August 19 by 9.45am for a 10am start time.

This will be followed by a function afterward at the Papakura RSA from about 1pm.