Vietnam veterans of Victor 2 Company returned to Rotorua last week for their third reunion on Anzac Day.
Organiser Bullit Hill said the returned servicemen had held their first reunion in the city in 2007 so they could visit the grave of a fallen comrade, Private Des Hirini, in Kawerau.
"The last time we saw him was when they lifted him out through the canopy of the trees. We had a collection in Vietnam to bring him home because the government wouldn't pay for it," he said.
"Rotorua has really looked after us and that's why we come back and have our reunions here. It's been fantastic."
Mr Bullit said around 75 veterans and their partners attended from all over New Zealand and Australia.