Vietnam vets hailed
FIFTY- ONE years ago, Australian troops left the safety of Australia for a brutal and controversial conflict in Vietnam in what would become one of the bloodiest chapters in our nation’s history.
Commemorations to mark Vietnam Veterans Day and the 51st anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan began just after dawn yesterday with a service at the Veterans’ Support Centre on Charters Towers Rd.
About 50 Vietnam veterans later gathered at Strand Park for the annual public service as the sun set with about 200 people watching on from land and boats in the marina.
The number of veterans proudly lined up on parade at the service was down on last year’s 50th anniversary but for Don Sinclair, a member of the Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Motorcycle Club each occasion is just as significant.
Mr Sinclair, 65, was just 18 when he fought in Vietnam, making him one of the youngest living veterans from the conflict.
“A day like this just brings you back and reminds you of the old years on parade more than 50 years ago,” he said.
“It’s a good thing that this day is still going and is still being respected.”
Nearly 60,000 Australian men and women served in the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1975, including 521 who lost their lives and more than 3000 who were wounded.
August 18 marks the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, where 105 Australians and three New Zealanders of D Company 6RAR were engaged in one of the fiercest battles of the war. Seventeen Australians were killed and 25 were wounded, one of whom later died of his wounds.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill told the service Vietnam Veterans Day was an opportunity for the country to pause and reflect on an extraordinary chapter in Australia’s military history.
“It’s a chance for old friends to reunite and remember those who did not come home,” she said.
“The war left lasting physical and mental scars on a generation of young men here in Australia and with their families.
“Our servicemen … displayed the very best gallantry and professionalism as a fighting force and as a nation we are proud how you served.”
Commanding Officer 1RAR Lieutenant Colonel Ben McLennan told the service the conflict was one of the nation’s most controversial, particularly in terms of how veterans were treated on their return.
“The hidden costs of the war is known to most of us,” he said.
“Many of those who returned from doing their duty were traumatised, yet in many cases they, along with their families, courageously went on living their lives and continued to contribute to our nation’s prosperity.”
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Dan Tehan, who attended a service in Canberra, said: “Today is an opportunity to reflect on that period of our history and to say ‘ thank you’ to our veterans for their service.” PLUS:PLUS