Members of the public are invited to attend the Vietnam Veterans’ Day commemoration in Shepparton, which recognises the gallantry and sacrifice of those diggers involved in the Battle of Long Tan on August 18, 1966.
It also offers the opportunity to remember the 521 Australians who lost their lives in the Vietnam conflict and to honour those who suffered otherwise and still do today.
This year marks 60 years since Australia's first involvement in the Vietnam War and is the 50th anniversary of the end of the war and a difficult homecoming from a conflict that divided the nation.
“That 50 years has gone too damn fast, and it makes you appreciate life,” Goulburn Valley Vietnam Veterans’ Association president Peter Dealy said.
Vietnam veterans had to wait until 1987 for a welcome home march that, in the words of then-Prime Minister Bob Hawke, would be “the culmination of a long process of reconciliation and community acceptance of its obligations to the veterans of Vietnam”.
“I believe we must honestly acknowledge that our involvement in Vietnam did cause deep divisions in the Australian community. But whatever our individual views on the merits of Australian involvement, we must equally acknowledge the commitment, courage and integrity of our armed forces who served in Vietnam,” Mr Hawke told the RSL national conference prior to the march.
Mr Dealy said while acceptance of the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans was much better, there were many still fighting to have their long-term health and psychological issues recognised.
A service will be conducted at Shepparton Memorial Park on Thursday, August 18 at 11am followed by a light lunch and fellowship at the Shepparton RSL.
The gathering this year will be joined by members of 7 RAR, First Tour who will be enjoying a reunion in Shepparton coinciding with Vietnam Veterans’ Day.
The guest speaker will be Chris Simpson, the son of a World War II career soldier, who served two tours of duty in South Vietnam: the first in 1967-68 with 7 RAR as an infantry soldier and the second tour in 1970-71.
Mr Dealy urged those who couldn’t attend the service to reflect on the service of Vietnam veterans.
“Just remember on the day that a lot of soldiers went to Vietnam, sent by the government, they did their job that they were allocated to do and did it very well. Sadly, 521 died as a result, so spare just 30 seconds to think of them,” he said.
Leading up to Vietnam Veterans’ Day, veterans will be selling memorabilia at Market Place Shepparton on August 12 and 13; IGA Shepparton on August 15 and 17; and Cobram on August 16 and 17. All monies raised are used for veteran welfare.