War and Peace - the Battle for Vietnam

What New Zealanders Thought about the War

War and Peace - the Battle for Vietnam

Social Studies Online

I fought in World War II and thought the NZ Government was right sending our troops to fight against the commies. But as it went on and we saw more and more of it on TV, I wasn't so sure anymore.

I think a lot of people of my generation had their view of the world established by the Vietnam conflict. The idea became let's look for ulterior motives, the hidden agendas and no matter what comes out of the White House or our own Government, let's ask questions about it.

I didn't take too much notice of what was going on, I was just getting on with my own life. We didn't send that many troops and they were all volunteers so I couldn't understand why people were so upset.

Me and four or five other protesters were pushed really roughly by a group of about ten policemen. I was pushed over and hurt my head and as I fell all my money rolled out of my pocket. I asked one policeman if I could pick up my money and in reply I was violently punched and pushed. I turned to ask again and another policeman came and kicked me in the base of my spine. At that stage I just ran.

Those anti-war protesters just didn't understand. We have to be prepared to step in to protect the rights of small countries. Otherwise they'll get walked all over. Didn't they learn anything from World War II?

This material has been produced by UNITEC Institute of Technology
under contract to the Ministry of Education.

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