RE: Veterans and the flag.

The majority of members within our Royal New Zealand Naval Association are very concerned about a possible change of our national flag.

I consider the idea to be an act of arrogant disrespect to all of the members of the NZ Defence Forces who have served their country, and died for it, in wars, and in emergency and defence situations in foreign countries.

They all served under our current flag and are worthy of high accolade and greater respect than this. Change to satisfy minority noise-makers is not good enough.
Leave our flag alone.

I shudder at the thought of a shipmate's coffin being draped with a black cloth with a white feather-looking object on it.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them. Lest we forget. Our members also express concern for the families, grandchildren and great grandchildren who now suffer from birth defects and disabilities due to their parent or grandparent, who served our country in conflicts such as JForce, Korea, Operation Grapple, Malaya, Vietnam and Mureroa.

It may be timely to seek medical help or contact your local RSA welfare support people. The more who seek redress, the more the Government may take notice and react instead of being in constant denial. To all veterans and families, don't take no for an answer to your claims or concerns.

R Mead, Member WBOP RNZ Naval Association.