Old soldiers let down.

The Crete veterans were stoic on their return from the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete, few among their number willing to complain that they'd been paid only a part Government subsidy, not enough to cover their fares, and certainly not enough to pay for accommodation and food. The Defence Minister and his staff, a bunch of bludgers by any description, travelled first class, stayed in the best accommodation and were feted like true pigs.

Many of the veterans, in their 90s and no doubt with attendant health problems, assistants and helpers, were driven by what must have been a last trip to remember fallen comrades, to again try to put into perspective a war which ripped their lives asunder and which would seldom, if not forever echo in the minds as sombre the futility of what might have been made of rich young lives if not the devil beast war did call.

Who are these men that forsake what the veterans represent to all of New Zealand, those if but by time, may seem reduced in relevance, odd in some way, wit shortened by and made weary by age? They are those not humble enough, without pride enough to fete the elderly soldiers as their final days set still. The speech makers, applauded for their oratory while the aged warriors drew shortened breaths, thought of death, smelt again fear and recalled the promises to life if just one more shell did not destroy them, nor the next bullet take their lives as the dead lay all around, others broken and moaning a lament to find a rhythm that might shorten pain or bring a long sleep as cordite smoke drifted and waned a mournful dance.

They are the men who let the old soldiers down, for not remembering it was not their day to travel first class, nor to eat the finest foods and be applauded for Ministerial office or coveted diplomatic role, but the day to walk beside those that will never be forgotten, to support those struggling to walk, bring chairs and water for those that needed to sit, to push wheel chairs and be humble among the camaraderie of those who marked in time the tragedy of our war dead and our struggle to continue to come to terms with a past national willingness to fight beyond our shores in the face of a new sentiment to be leaders of peace.