News
24 August, 2023
Remembering the Vietnam War
PEOPLE gathered at RSL sub branches last Friday to commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day and acknowledge the thousands of Australians who served in the Vietnam War.
It was the 57th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, and the 50th anniversary of Australia concluding its involvement in the Vietnam War.
Last Friday’s commemorative service at Woodford featured a welcome from the sub branch’s deputy president Steve McClintock, followed by a speech from State Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell.
Reverend Ken Steer presented the prayer and benediction, and four students from Woodford State School read out the Presidential Citation of the Battle of Long Tan.
Wreaths were laid, and the service also featured The Ode, The Last Post, and a minute’s silence.
The Woodford Singers led the singing of the Australian national anthem, and the Delaneys Creek State School choir sang ‘We Shall Overcome’ and ‘It’s a Wonderful World’.
Light refreshments were served afterwards, courtesy of the Woodford RSL sub branch.
In his speech in the early part of the service, Mr Powell said he often wondered why an anti-war sentiment was directed at those who served on the frontline.
“The decisions to go to Vietnam in the first place was not yours,” he said.
“The decision to implement a conscription was not yours.
“The decision to increase our deployment was not yours.
“Nor was the decision to withdraw.
“Those decisions were made by people like me (the politicians), elected by people like you.
“It was to the politicians of the day, and them alone, that any disillusion with our participation in Vietnam should have been directed; not the fearless men and women on the ground, at the battlefront.”
Mr Powell said he felt a sense of sorrow and shame “that we did not welcome you back as the heroes you were”.
“Regardless of personal beliefs of the benefits or otherwise of the war, you deserved to be thanked, you deserved to be cared for, you deserved to be reintegrated back into society, into jobs, into families, with more compassion and understanding,” he said.
“Please know, as small a solace as it is, I am so grateful for your service.
“I am confident that every member of the public here today would say the same, will say the same. Thank you.
“As we pause to reflect, to remember, please hold your heads high.
“You are the giants on whose shoulders we stand.”
