RATHER than having guest speakers at this year’s Vietnam Veteran’s Day service at the Rosewood Memorial Hall, some returned servicemen will address the crowd directly.
The commemorative service is held every year by the Rosewood RSL Sub-Branch and it’s always well attended.
Sub-Branch secretary Carmel Luetchford said the service was a way to show respect and appreciation for those who fought and returned, and those who died.
The caliphate party will be provided by No.35 Squadron from RAAF Base Amberley.
“It is also an opportunity for surviving veterans to share stories and enjoy the comradery of shared experiences,” she said.
“One of our members said he was given his flight home and from there, was told to look after himself.
“There was no accommodation and many of the veterans slept at the airport until they could get a flight back to Australia.
“They were also told not to wear their [military] uniform when back home. It’s things like these that make us question ‘the why’ behind their treatment.”
Carmel said this year’s Vietnam Veteran’s Day service would include RSL Sub-Branch members telling personal stories.
“Some veterans don’t want to speak before a crowd, so we’ve encouraged them to write down their experiences for someone else to read out loud,” she explained.
“When I’ve said, ‘just tell us some of the things that happened’ a lot of the veterans say, ‘there’s a lot of things we can’t tell’.
“They say it as a joke and it’s their way of coping but listening to them talk is going to be a very special part of our service this year.”
The importance of sharing stories also comes with a reminder that many of the veterans are now in their 80s.
“Soon enough that will no longer be an option, and it would be a shame to lose those experiences,” Carmel said.
All in all, 42,437 Australians served in the Army in South Vietnam, 3,310 Navy and 4,443 RAAF personnel.
There were also civilian surgical teams and civil aid teams provided by the Australian Government to add to those figures.
The Vietnam Veterans’ Commemorative Service will be held at the Rosewood Memorial Hall at 11am on Sunday, August 17.
All veterans, families and community members are invited to attend.
Everyone is welcome to lay a wreath to recognise the service of Vietnam veterans.
A barbeque lunch will be held after the service.
