General News
11 August, 2022
Vietnam veterans to be remembered at Maryborough service
It’s been 60 years since Australia’s first involvement in the Vietnam War, a conflict that touched the lives of many, including local veterans who will be taking part in this weekend’s Vietnam Veterans’ Day service. While the official date...
It’s been 60 years since Australia’s first involvement in the Vietnam War, a conflict that touched the lives of many, including local veterans who will be taking part in this weekend’s Vietnam Veterans’ Day service.
While the official date for Vietnam Veterans’ Day is August 18, the local Vietnam veterans’ sub branch will host a service this Sunday in recognition of a number of milestones.
Aside from marking 60 years since the nation first became involved in Vietnam, August 18 is also the 56th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, recognised as one of the fiercest battles Australian soldiers fought during the war.
Maryborough and District Vietnam Veterans sub branch secretary Danny McIver said it was important to mark and commemorate the day.
“I would say it’s very important to mark Vietnam Veterans’ Day,” he said.
“It’s a day that means a lot of things and it means something different for everyone.
“For me it’s a day where I think back on my friends and mates who are no longer here, but you also think of how as a young bloke you were treated when you came back home.
“There are nice memories you’ve got with your friends, but it’s also bittersweet.”
Mr McIver said it’s likely this year’s event held at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne will be the last significant one, as veterans are now growing too old to attend.
“It’s now getting harder and harder for veterans to get to services and we aren’t as mobile as we used to be, we’re on the downward curve,” he said.
“This years’ service in Melbourne will most likely be the last of the significant services simply because of our age.
“I probably get about three death notices a week of Vietnam veterans who have died, it’s pretty steady now which is sad.
“All the sub branches will continue to have their own services in local towns though and we will continue doing it as long as we can here in Maryborough.”
Local sub branch president Lee Turton said it was particularly important for the community to recognise Vietnam Veterans’ Day this year given the ageing veteran community.
“I remember when we couldn’t have services for Vietnam Veterans’ Day because of the pandemic, it was hard,” he said.
“Speaking to several members of the sub branch since then, they’ve said it was like a lost day — it was like a part of us was lost.
“I certainly encourage the community to get involved with this weekend’s service and also to take time and reflect on veterans over the next few days, it means a lot to all of us.”
The local service will take place at 11 am this Sunday, August 14 at the McLandress Square cenotaph this year due to irrigation works underway in Phillips Gardens.