WELLINGTON, May 28 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark delivered an official apology in Parliament on Wednesday to more than 3,000 Vietnam War veterans.

    The apology is part of a memorandum of understanding between the government and the New Zealand veterans who took part in the Vietnam War.

    A special event for Vietnam War veterans, called Tribute 08, will be held over Queen's Birthday Weekend.

    Vietnam War veterans spokesperson Chris Mullane said soldiers suffered greatly as a result of the hostile treatment they received when they returned home.

    Mullane said veterans have been seeking acknowledgment that their service was valued, as well as recognition of the harm done by government's denials of their exposure to toxic chemicals.