TRIBUTE PAID TO VIETNAM VETS

JIM POLLARD was a young Australian soldier when he deployed to Vietnam and like many veterans, describes his treatment on his return home from the unpopular war as “terrible”.

A memorial service was held to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day and the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Binh Ba in the late afternoon at the Thuringowa Cenotaph yesterday.

Mr Pollard was 24 years old when he deployed for his first tour in 1969 with the 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.

“We were shunned, we wouldn’t go to the RSL because we got knocked back … nobody wanted to talk to us,” he said.

“I believed we were doing the right thing. The people back here didn’t understand the terrible things that were going on in Vietnam at the time.

“It played up on you for years to come.”

Mr Pollard said he and his mates were able to start healing from the abuse they had suffered after the welcome home parade held for Vietnam veterans in 1988.

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. At the service, a group of soldiers individually held Australian flags to represent some of the servicemen who didn’t return home.

Master of Ceremonies Barry Benson read out the poem The For

in honour of the Australian personnel who lost their lives during the war.

Wing Commander Mat Green addressed the solemn crowd and described how the Battle of Binh Ba unfolded and its significance.

“This year is the 50th anniversary of one of the most comprehensive victories by Australian forces in Vietnam,” he said.

“The battle ranks as one of the major victories and is a testament to the camaraderie and incredible courage of our Australian military forces.”

Herbert MP Phil Thompson said it was important to pay tribute to Vietnam veterans for their service.

“Vietnam veterans paved the way for veterans who have come after them. Without their service and sacrifice we wouldn’t enjoy the freedoms that we do today,” Mr Thompson said.

“I was extremely honoured to be invited here … to pay my respects and talk with the Vietnam veteran cohort who are still here in Townsville.”