Former governor-general, and chief of Army and Defence, Sir Peter Cosgrove, has spoken out about veteran respect and acknowledgment ahead of Vietnam Veterans’ Day. 

As a Vietnam veteran himself, Sir Cosgrove discussed the poor treatment of veterans when they returned home and how many felt abandoned.

He also touched on the government’s missed chance to recognise Private Richard Norden with a Victoria Cross, noting that he had questioned why Norden was not awarded the Cross at the age of just 24.

Ahead of Veteran’s Day, Cosgrave explained “We commemorate the diggers from all conflicts who gave so much…

“And they’re real heroes from the Vietnam War”, he continued.

Hear more highlights from Afternoons with Deborah Knight below: