Service held to remember Vietnam veterans

A SMALL crowd gathered in Terang this week to pay respects to those who had fought in the Vietnam war.

Members of the Terang Returned and Service League sub-branch held a service on Monday evening to honour those who had served their country on Vietnam Veteran’s Day.

A memorial service was held at the Terang Returned and Services League (RSL) sub-branch hall on Monday evening as part of Vietnam Veterans Day.

The day is held on August 18 each year to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the 60,000 Australians who served in Vietnam.

Terang RSL senior vice president Terry Fidge, himself a Vietnam veteran, said those who had served their country would not be forgotten.

“We gather to recognise the dedicated service of the men and women who wore the military uniform in the face of dangers many would flee from,” he said.

“From the beaches of Gallipoli to the mountains of Afghanistan and the jungles of Vietnam, Australian service members have shown remarkable courage and resilience.

“Days such as Vietnam Veterans Day gives us a chance to say thank you, but our appreciation must extend beyond words.

“Supporting these veterans requires action throughout the year – providing access to health, education and job opportunities for veterans in our communities.”

Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam war had proven deeply divisive among the population, which saw returning veterans treated poorly or otherwise shunned in many instances.

Mr Fidge recounted the events of the 1987 march through Sydney, more than a decade after the war had ended, in which Vietnam veterans were given what many consider to be their first formal welcome home.

“On October 3, 1987, 22,000 Vietnam veterans marched through the streets of Sydney in a long-overdue welcome home,” he said.

“Many tears were shed Australia-wide on that day to witness these proud veterans march through Sydney with their heads held high – finally being acknowledged and applauded for their service to their country.

“I was among those who attended that march and one of the fondest memories I have of that day is watching the World War Two veterans, wearing their medals, breaking down and crying as we went past for the way we had been treated when we returned.”

Mr Fidge also recounted the events of the Battle of Long Tan, which saw just over 100 Australian soldiers engage in a bloody battle with over 2000 North Vietnamese and Viet Kong troops.

“Despite the overwhelming odds, the Australian and New Zealand soldiers stood their ground – forcing the enemy troops to withdraw,” he said.

“This was an intense and bloody battle which, despite only lasting three hours, saw horrendous casualties on both sides.

“For the Australians, 18 soldiers were killed and a further 24 were wounded.

“The North Vietnamese confirmed they had at least 245 killed and 350 wounded, but it is an estimate many more were wounded but the Viet Kong would never indulge the true numbers.”

Lest We Forget.