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Vietnam veterans are supporting an anti-war protest on Parliament tomorrow.
Peace Movement Aotearoa co-ordinator Edwina Hughes said the protest will take place as Vietnam veterans march on to Parliament grounds, following an official apology from the Government earlier this week.
Veterans will take part in a Whakanoa ceremony - a spiritual cleansing of the warriors - where photos of the 37 New Zealanders killed in Vietnam and photos of those that have died since will be presented by family members. The photos will lie in state until Sunday morning as part of Tribute 08.
Ms Hughes said the protest is aimed not at the veterans but the Government, who continues to send New Zealand troops overseas.
"The best way to honour the war dead is to make sure there are no more," Ms Hughes said.
She said the protest does not oppose the apology made to veterans.
"It's about reminding people that the war had a horrific effect on Vietnam and its people," Ms Hughes said.
She said Peace Movement Aotearoa have received messages from veterans and their families but she said they have no issue with a peaceful protest.
Ms Hughes said some of the organisation's members are veterans or family members of veterans and will be taking part in the official parade.
The organisation has also sent a letter to Vietnamese Ambassador Vuong Hai Nam.
The letter, circulated by email, expresses regret that New Zealand was involved in the war.
A quote from the letter said: "We look forward to the New Zealand Government apologising to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the near future - an apology is long overdue".
Veterans march to Parliament
The march will leave Wellington's Civic Square at 9am, travel through Wellington, before arriving at Parliament at 10am.
The protest gathers at the corner of Ballance St and Lambton Quay at 10am.
