STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING, MP
VIETNAM-VERTERANS MEMORIAL DEDICATION ATTENDANCE BY
NEXT-OF-KIN
JULY 1992
I am pleased to announce today that the Government will
assist in helping next-of-kin of those who died in
Vietnam to travel to Canberra for the dedication of the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial in October.
The Government will contribute the cost of a return air
fare to one next-of-kin of each of the 504 men and women
who died in Vietnam during the War.
The Government has strongly supported the building of a
Vietnam Veterans' Memorial. We have contributed $ 250,000
towards the cost, and provided administrative support and
accommodation in Canberra for the organising Committee.
However, we are seeking now to make a more personal
contribution. The Memorial is dedicated to all those who
served, suffered and died during the Vietnam War. There
is no doubt, though, that its dedication will have a
special significance for those who lost a family member
during the War.
The offer is limited to next-of-kin because they have
suffered more than most through the loss of their loved
ones. The Vietnam War was traumatic for Australia and
those who lost next-of-kin suffered doubly.
I observed the emotion of the Welcome Home Parade in 1987
and the entombment ceremony early in July. I want now to
ensure that at least one family member of the 504 who did
not return home has the opportunity to attend the
Memorial dedication perhaps the final symbolic welcome
home." 833
Details are as follows:
The offer covers travel to and from Canberra for the
Weekend of the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial
Dedication, but neither accommodation nor movements
in Canberra over the weekend will be covered.
Where airtravel would be the most appropriate form
of transport, the Commonwealth will provide economy
travel from the airport nearest the next-of-kins
home to Canberra and return, or, alternatively the
equivalent of the Commonwealth negotiated fare will
be given to the next-of-kin on the basis that the
money will be spent on travelling to and from the
dedication. the offer applies, in the first instance, to those
people originally nominated as next-of-kin. Where
this person is unable to accept the offer, the
family of the next-of-kin will be asked to nominate
a replacement.
Next-of-kin who wish to accept the Government's
offer of travel assistance should contact Department
of Veterans' Affairs on 06-289 6541, before 18
September.
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