Virgin Australia's priority boarding of veterans has been hailed and criticized

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VIRGIN Australia has faced an unexpected decision to honor Australian veterans during its flights.

In a similar move to that observed in the United States, veterans of the Australian Army on Virgin Australia flights will benefit from priority boarding and their presence will be recognized publicly during flight announcements.

"We recognize the important contribution Veterans make to the security of our country and the role they play in our community," said Virgin Australia General Manager John Borghetti in Brisbane. Sunday mail.

"Once the veterans get their cards and pins, they will simply have to present them during the boarding process so they can be boarded first and be recognized on board."

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Qantas says that he will not follow Virgin's example.

"Every day we carry an exceptional number of people, including veterans, police officers, paramedics, nurses, firefighters and others, so we have a hard time distinguishing a particular group as part of the boarding process. "Says the release.

The federal government announced this week a discount card for returned military personnel, as well as an employment program to connect veterans and appropriate employers.

Defense Industry Minister Steven Ciobo said it was "great" for the airline to salute the service rendered to the soldiers.

"If we can get not only airlines but also global activities, I think it helps to strengthen the respect of the Australian community for these men and women," Ciobo told Sky News.

"I want to congratulate Virgin for, in many ways, being a pioneer." Chester also praised the announcement, but acknowledged that many veterans would prefer to adopt discount air fares.

"Australians, by nature, tend to keep their light under wraps. Some would be happy to get on the plane without anyone knowing that they are there, "he said.

American airlines have long called on passengers to stand up and applaud the men and women of air services and thank them for their services. Many carriers also offer discounts on prices and special offers on luggage.

The announcement made by Virgin is not a joy for everyone.

Catherine McGregor, a former veteran she "would not dream of boarding a plane in front of other passengers as a" veteran "and the idea was simply" more nationalist crap ".

"I can not imagine that too many people to whom I served have done that. Spend more on suicide prevention and health support. False American nonsense, "she wrote.

Ray Martin, a retired army officer, said veterans "do not need setbacks or actions".

"We are the kind of people who take things in the place of others. We do not need priority in a line to get on an airplane. "

Another veteran, Rodger Shanahan, said he was "inundated with messages from the veterans community asking what was going on with it."

'Friggin' embarrassment personified. Anzac Day is enough thanks, " he said.

Coincidentally, Shanahan wrote an article for the Lowy Institute last week, warning that Australia was at risk of reaching its "advanced veteran".

"Rather than sanctifying military service, the media and politicians should devote more energy to recognizing those who work for the common good in circumstances that are often traumatic and always difficult at home," he wrote.

"Many members of the veterans community do a noble service and care for those who have had a difficult time, but there is a significant base of support that already supports them. Veterans must also think of community and emergency service workers who work day after day with a fraction of recognition. "

On Channel 7, Senators Pauline Hanson and Derryn Hinch shared an extremely rare moment of agreement in their opposition to the movement.

"I have worked with veterans and I think they would find that embarrassing," Ms. Hanson said.

"You now have veterans in their twenties. We take care of weak people by placing them first in the plane. I think it's a marketing ploy from Virgin. I do not think veterans want to use priority boarding. "

"Pauline is right. Get this in writing, "said Mr. Hinch, bursting with laughter.
"Many veterans do not want to attract that kind of attention."

He pointed out that Dr. Brendan Nelson's plan to improve the Australian war memorial was a better tribute to veterans.

The reaction of less important people on social media was similar.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but surely there are better and more appropriate ways to honor and thank our veterans? It sounds like a big announcement for Virgin Australia, "said Leo James.

"Honor veterans if they choose to fly with Virgin Australia? This sounds like the marketing of Australian service personnel for me. Most of the people I met and I know are quite humble, they do not want fuss, "said Andrew Heslop.

"Will we also thank paramedics, nurses, doctors, teachers, social workers – those who also serve society? This elevates one group of people above the others, "tweeted Collette Snowdon.

"Where does it end? American nonsense. Will not drive Virgin if it continues. "

Virgin Australia's announcement came as the federal government revealed a series of new measures for veterans, including a discount card for men and women for services rendered and a program to help them find suitable work.

The government has also committed $ 500 million to expand the Australian war memorial.

Premier Scott Morrison said the need to cultivate respect for veterans was "brought home for me at the Invictus Games" in Sydney in October.

"When I talk to veterans in other countries, they are so touched by the culture of respect that Australians have for veterans," he said.

"Prince Harry told me the same thing (at the Games). It was really exposed and I just do not want to take it for granted.

"And as a government, I want to make sure we do everything we can to protect, preserve and facilitate it."

– with AAP

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