- Aim of war is peace: veteran -
25.04.2003 13:22:37
Anti-War protesters needed to understand troops went to war with the aim of achieving peace,
war veteran said during ANZAC Day commemorations.
World War II veteran Harold Sweeney, from Arncliffe in Sydney`s south, said war veterans and their families had received a wonderful reception today considering the strength of recent anti-war demonstrations over the US-led strike on Iraq.
"We didn`t go to war for war, we went to war for peace, and why can`t these people understand that?" Mr Sweeney said.
"We were there as volunteers to make this place the country that it is and preserve it."
Mr Sweeney travelled in a jeep during today`s Sydney march, having served with the 1st Australian Armoured Division in New Guinea.
He said while he was sorry Australia had committed troops to the war in Iraq, it was a chance for the Iraqi people to rebuild their devastated country.
"These people who are demonstrating now, they want the Americans out ... well maybe the Americans could show them a better way of life."
Mr Sweeney said he was thankful there had not been any anti-war protests during today`s commemorations.
"I don`t think they would have come off too lightly had they tried to demonstrate," he said.
The youngest of four brothers who all served in the war, Mr Sweeney is the only one to still participate in ANZAC Day marches.
"These belong to my two brothers who are now deceased - I wear these in memory of my brothers," he said, pointing to the some of the war medals hanging from his blazer.
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by The Advertiser
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au
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