Australian Gulf War veterans are travelling to Washington to attend the opening of a memorial to the conflict, while using the visit to begin a campaign for a dedicated memorial in Australia.
The veterans say recognition at home has been inadequate, despite about 1,800 Australians serving with the US-led coalition during the 1990-91 Gulf War.
“Unfortunately, I believe we’ve been forgotten,” said veteran Justin Hughes. Suzy Wilson described the situation as “incredibly frustrating”, while Charles Anderson said it was “very annoying at times and distressing”.
Gulf War veterans seek dedicated Australian memorial
The US memorial was funded after American Gulf War veterans became frustrated by what they regarded as a lack of recognition and raised 60 million dollars for the project. The Australian delegation 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,” Mr Anderson said.
Mr Hughes added: “It will be just awesome to be welcomed and accepted.”
Iraq invaded neighbouring Kuwait in 1990 under Saddam Hussein. Australian personnel served mainly aboard six naval vessels, helping the coalition drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. No Australians were killed.
Mr Hughes was among the small number of Australian personnel permitted to go ashore in Kuwait, where he filmed oil wells destroyed by Iraqi forces and widespread devastation.
“It was good that we liberated a country,” he said. “We did the right thing.”
The conflict was also the first time female Australian Defence Force personnel such as Ms 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 veterans say mentions on existing local war memorials are not enough. They hope their Washington visit will help launch a campaign for a memorial specifically dedicated to Australia’s Gulf War service.
“I think they are outstanding and totally inspiring,” Ms Wilson said of the American veterans’ efforts.
