Australian Veterans’ Service in Vietnam to be Commemorated in August
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) is supporting the commemoration of Australian veterans’ service in the Vietnam War through a Veterans’ Vigil and a National Commemorative Service in August.
This year marks 60 years since the arrival of the Australian Army Training team in South Vietnam on August 3, 1962 and 50 years since the withdrawal of combat troops in 1972.
The Vietnam Veterans’ Vigil to be held on August 3 aims to have services of remembrance conducted at the grave or commemorative plaque site of every Australian killed in the Vietnam conflict. It will precede the Government’s National Commemorative Service planned for August 18 at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra and televised by the ABC.
The Vigil will provide people with the opportunity to participate in paying respects to those who were killed in action during the conflict and particularly for veterans and families who cannot make it to Canberra. Vigils are being planned in every State and Territory and overseas where veterans are buried.
Vietnam Veterans’ Vigil is seeking volunteers to assist in coordinating each commemorative service. More information is available at www.vvv.org.au
RSL National President Greg Melick said as well as the thousands of Australians who served in the Vietnam War, 523 were killed in action and the Vigil and Commemorative Service would provide the opportunity to honour their service and sacrifice.
“The Vigil particularly will provide a very meaningful way for people to pay their respects across the length and breadth of Australia and will be an important lead into the National Commemorative Service.
“While Australia still had some involvement in Vietnam after 1972, this is an significant anniversary year and the RSL encourages its members and the broader community to support these important commemoration events to pay tribute to those who served with honour and distinction,” Greg Melick said.
