Australian Gulf War veterans are flying to the United States, saying it is the only way to get the recognition they deserve.
They’ll attend the opening of a memorial in Washington dedicated to the conflict and will then launch a campaign for one here.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Forgotten Gulf War veterans seek recognition in the US
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“Unfortunately, I believe we’ve been forgotten,” said Justin Hughes, a Gulf War veteran.
Fellow veteran Suzy Wilson agreed: “Oh, it’s incredibly frustrating. Yes, incredibly.”
Charles Anderson added: “Very annoying at times and distressing.”
In America, Gulf War veterans were so angered by their lack of recognition they raised $60 million for their own memorial. The Australian veterans will attend its opening this month.
“I’ll probably get a bit teary at some stage, but I’ll be proud to be over there,” Anderson said.
“It will be just awesome to be welcomed and accepted,” Hughes added.
Justin Hughes shot video of oil wells destroyed by the Iraqis during the first Gulf War. Credit: 7NEWS
In 1990, Saddam Hussein’s Iraq invaded neighbouring Kuwait. Some 1800 Australians, most on six naval vessels, joined a US-led coalition, eventually blasting the Iraqis out. No Australians were killed.
Hughes was one of the few allowed ashore in Kuwait. He shot video of oil wells destroyed by the Iraqis and destruction everywhere. His belief in the mission was reinforced.
“It was good that we liberated a country,” he said. “We did the right thing,” Hughes said.
It was the first time female Defence Force personnel like Wilson served in a combat zone.
“We realised we were groundbreaking, but I don’t think we realised how much we were groundbreaking,” she said.
The Australian veterans are not satisfied with just mentions on local war memorials, so they will use their trip to Washington to launch a campaign for their own dedicated memorial, following in the footsteps of their American counterparts.
“I think they are outstanding and totally inspiring,” Wilson said.
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