Community members and families were welcomed to the Rosewood Memorial Hall on August 26, to mark 50 years since Australian troops were withdrawn from the Vietnam War.
The service was hosted by the Rosewood RSL Sub Branch, and Rosewood RSL President Bernie Mason welcomed everyone to the special commemoration.
Speaker and special guest Sergeant Emanual Annosa said that in 1973, the last Australian troops were sent home from Vietnam, in a war where almost 60,000 Australians served in conflict, 523 of whom were killed and 3,000 were wounded.
“Marked as the longest 20th century conflict in which Australia participated in, the war ran from 1955 to 1975, and today I am honoured to join with the community to pay my respects to all who served in Vietnam,” he said.
Rosewood RSL secretary Carmel Luetchford read the names from the Vietnam War Nominal Roll of those veterans who listed Rosewood as their place of birth, as well as Rosewood RSL Vietnam Veterans and some community members who served in Vietnam.
The laying of the wreaths took place where special guests, dignitaries, school children, community group members, veterans, and the general public laid a wreath at the soldier memorial to pay their respects.
Families joined in prayers and poems, before the Last Post was played and the Australian National Anthem was sung.
Special guest Ken Davies, sung the song I was only 19, before Rosewood RSL President Bernie Mason shared his closing remarks.
“It was a great turn out for what was the first service in many years held by the Rosewood RSL to honour those who served in the Vietnam war,” he said.
“Thank you to all of the Rosewood RSL members, special guests, and speakers for making the service such a success.
“As president of the Rosewood RSL, I am proud and honoured to see so many community members joining with the RSL, to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
To conclude the service a light lunch was enjoyed by all who attended, amongst stories, memorabilia and photographs that were shared in the memorial hall.
