6 March 2006

National President at the Launch of the Year of the Veteran

Firstly I would like to acknowledge the Government’s decision to declare 2006 the Year of the Veteran.

The Year of the Veteran provides all Kiwis the opportunity to thank all New Zealand veterans of all ages. This is a chance to salute their contributions and sacrifices. The opportunity to recognise and salute the inherent value of their service to our nation. Their service is our heritage. It’s a year during which we can celebrate, honour and remember the service that so many Kiwi men and women have given to this country.

2006 acknowledges New Zealand’s veterans and their contribution to the shaping of our modern nation. It’s about giving due recognition of the key role played by all servicemen and women in defence of our freedom.

The Year of the Veteran comes at a time when we are bidding a final farewell to a lot of our veterans. Kiwis must never forget those who served in wartime and in peacetime, this is not an option, this is our way of life.

The Year of the Veteran will in a variety of ways dwell on the nature of their service. It will focus on the lives of those that did and are doing a good job at the personal cost of ordinary people called upon to do extraordinary things.

The Year of the Veteran is intended to promote a wider understanding of the legacy of New Zealand servicemen and women and those who supported it and left us so many of the characteristics that manifest in our national identity being reinforced in times of war. Perpetuated by those who returned - tenacity, inventiveness, mate-ship, courage and obstinacy. These qualities are integral to our national identity.

It is appropriate that we should celebrate the Year of the Veteran in 2006, this is the year of the 90th anniversary of that horrific battle that was the Somme where so many young New Zealanders fell never to return home. It’s also some 60 years since the end of the Second World War. And it is the year of the 90th anniversary of the RSA..

The RSA was born in 1916 out of the need to ensure that First World War veterans returned to civilian life with as little trauma as possible and that those who were wounded in mind or body were adequately cared for and compensated for their injuries. Of critical importance was the wellbeing of their families.

It is RNZRSA’s solemn vow to continue into the future the ideals of its founding fathers, to maintain and improve the quality of life of all, who in the service of their country, have donned the uniform of New Zealand’s Defence Forces.

I gratefully acknowledge the declaration of 2006 as the Year of the Veteran.