As part of the ANZUS (Australia, New Zealand, United States) Alliance, this event was significant to New Zealand as many anti-war protesters believed we were guilty of being a part of the My Lai massacre through association. In 2008 Prime Minister Helen Clark issued an apology to New Zealand's Vietnam Veterans for not recognizing their service to their country in a field of battle. She apologized for "the history of pain and suffering" and how they had to endure dangerous chemicals (Agent Orange) being dropped into their field of battle.