A new plaque and tree dedicated to Vietnam veterans at the Post 1945 Memorial were unveiled at the Vietnam Veterans’ Day Commemoration Service at the Shrine of Remembrance.
The plaque and the tree were produced by the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia and they provide a point of remembrance for veterans and their families.
Vietnam Veterans’ Day, which falls on August 18, is an opportunity to pay respects to around 60,000 Australians who served in the Vietnam War including 521 who lost their lives and more than 3,000 who were wounded.
It is held on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, where 108 young Australians from D Company 6 RAR resisted an attack of more than 2,000 Viet Cong soldiers.
The Battle of Long Tan led to the greatest loss of life on a single day for Australians during the conflict – claiming the lives of 18 soldiers and wounding a further 24.
Premier Jacinta Allan, who attended the service, paid her respects to the heroes of yesteryear.
“Our Vietnam Veterans answered the call of duty in a conflict far from home, fighting for their country through unimaginable challenges. As a state we are so proud of our Vietnam veterans,” she said.
The Vietnam War was Australia’s longest military engagement of the 20th century. Australia’s participation formally ended when the Governor-General issued a proclamation on 11 January 1973.
Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Victorian State President Bob Elworthy AM, said how important the Vietnam Veterans Day is in honoring the veterans.
“On Vietnam Veterans Day we will again gather to acknowledge the sacrifice of our fallen, honour the service of all Vietnam veterans, and renew our determination to continue to fight for those still with us. The unveiling of our plaque in the Shrine gardens today is a proud moment of recognition of the service and sacrifice of all Victorian Vietnam Veterans,” he said.
The Shrine of Remembrance has objects, artworks, photographs and video footage detailing Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War on display in a permanent and free exhibition in the Post ‘45 section of the Galleries of Remembrance.
