MORE than two hundred people participated in the Vietnam Veterans day Commemoration Service in Greenbushes on Sunday August 17.
Members of the RSL Sub-branches right around the South West from Esperance to Donnybrook were there to show their colours and to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in memory of fallen comrades in the Vietnam War; they marched with pride to the beat of the Bunbury City Band and the loud applause of the onlookers.
All were welcomed by Pat Scallan, Secretary of the Greenbushes RSL Sub-branch, as they turned to face the Cenotaph.
17 of Bridgetown’s young men, together with four from Greenbushes, were sent off to the war. They were fortunate enough to return after their tour of duty. One young man from Greenbushes received the Military Medal for bravery in the field.
Each year Vietnam Veterans gather at War Memorials throughout Australia for a commemorative service and wreath laying commemorating the Battle of Long Tan, the most significant engagement by Australian Forces during the Vietnam War on August 18 1966.
Greenbushes RSL President Ron Adair said August 18 has become known as Vietnam Veterans Day since 1987.
“This was when Australia’s first national welcome home parade was held in Sydney for the first time. The then Prime minister Bob Hawke announced that August 18 would be known as Vietnam Veterans day, and I must say, it has been a long time coming, it took 20 years to recognise the achievements and the sacrifices of those who served,” he said.
“Today we pause and reflect and remember all those who fought in the Vietnam War and we acknowledge those who supported them in their endeavours, including medical staff, volunteers and many others. In war there are no winners or losers, in war there are far too many sacrifices.”
Adding to the atmosphere, RSL member Susanne Bottomley sang a moving rendition of “Stand by me”, written by Ben E. King, which left many of the onlookers dabbing a tear from their eyes.
Guest speaker Graham Edwards OAM, RSL State President, said that although in comparison this was a small service, it was the most significant one that anyone could attend.
“Australian Military History will show that the war in Vietnam ended for Australia in 1972,” Mr Edwards said.
“Vietnam Veterans however know that while the pages of history may well record that Australia might have withdrawn its troops in 1972, for those who served there the war is not over, indeed the fact that we are gathered here today, to remember those who served, suffered and died in that war, is testimony to that truth.
“Hundreds of young men from the South West of our state were either conscripted or volunteered for service in the Australian Defence Force during that period.
“Many served in Vietnam, many who went never came home, it is they above all that we remember most today,” he said.
“No person who served in the Vietnam War came home unchanged, especially after those challenging, frightening and dangerous experiences, experiences that are unique to that battlefield, be it on the ground, sea or in the air, experiences that are difficult to explain or talk about, for if you were not there you simply could not understand.
“In my view, we as Vietnam Veterans have much to look back on with pride, and with a sense of having done a difficult job well, and in the best traditions of our Anzac forefathers. With the RAAF, the Navy and the Army, courage, sacrifice, human compassion and determination, tenacity and a determination not to let our mates down were all characteristics of our services.
“In thick mists and in the black of the night when every strange sound was “Charlie”, we remember the fear so palpable, you could taste it, the love of family, the loneliness, the heat, the mosquitos, the mud and the long awaited R and R, and then the home coming.
“Where we differed from the original Anzacs is in our homecoming, they came home to the warm embrace of a grateful nation, we came home to the cold shoulder of ignorance, indifference, and in some cases hostility, which caused many of the veterans to put a lid on their emotions, and bottle up bitter feelings until even this day.
“Today we have learnt from the past, we welcome our young people home after conflict with open arms and a warm heart.
“The Vietnam Veterans are now the strength of the RSL, just as we were once denied, we must now ensure that the young members of our ADF are shown a wide open door and a warm welcome when they come back home to Australia,” he said.
Wreaths were laid by representatives of each of the RSL Sub-branches present as well the Bridgetown Greenbushes Shire President and the politicians representing the area, followed by the haunting sound of the last post played by a trumpeter from the Bunbury City Band, Russell Price recited the Ode which was followed by reveille.
As he closed the parade Mr Adair thanked all the RSL members for their attendance and for honouring those who did not return.
“We will remember them,” he said.