Some 3500 Vietnam vets came home in the late 1960s and early 70s to another conflict – that of the hostile attitude of a populace that opposed New Zealand's involvement and a government seemingly embarrassed by their participation.
The apology attempts to address the veteran's exposure to toxic environments during the war and the way they were treated when they got back. It was part of a memorandum of understanding between the government and the Returned Services Association.
Kathryn Ryan talks to Chris Mullane, Vietnam veteran and chairman of the group that organised the Tribute 08 event; Bruce Weir, spokesman for Vietnam Veterans Action Group; and Ken McKee Wright, one of the first soldiers to come home.
