- Published:
- Monday 4 July 2016
Victoria’s brave Vietnam veterans will be honoured at a Civic Reception on Wednesday at the National Gallery of Victoria.
Acting Minister for Veterans Philip Dalidakis today encouraged Victorians to pay their respects and honour the service and sacrifice of the Australian servicemen and women who served in the war.
The Vietnam War was Australia’s longest military engagement of the 20th century. Almost 60,000 Australians fought in the war. More than 500 Australians lost their lives serving their country.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, where 108 brave young men from D Company 6 RAR resisted an attack of more than 2,000 Viet Cong soldiers. It would become one of the most extraordinary chapters in Australia’s military history.
The Labor Government has teamed up with the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Victorian Branch to send ten Victorian students on a once-in-a-lifetime study tour to Vietnam, to see for themselves a nation so pivotal to Australia’s story, and to learn more about the sacrifices of our Vietnam veterans.
The successful students will be announced at the Civic Reception.
Vietnam veteran and composer Lachlan Wilson will perform his musical reflection of the Vietnam War, Echoes of Conflict, before a special performance of the dynamic Australian concert drama, Rolling Thunder Vietnam.
Victorians will be able to pay their respects at Vietnam Veterans Day on August 18. A free service at the Shrine of Remembrance will follow the Vietnam Veterans Day march.
For more information visit www.vic.gov.au/victoriaremembers/vietnam(opens in a new window)
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Veterans, Philip Dalidakis
“Our Vietnam veterans gave us all a great gift, and it’s our duty to honour their service. The Civic Reception is just one of the activities that gives our servicemen and women the tribute they deserve.”
“This is an opportunity to teach our students about a time that shaped our nation, and their chance to learn for themselves about our wartime history.”
Quotes attributable to Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Victorian Branch President, Bob Elworthy
“The Civic Reception and Vietnam War study tour are important parts of our commemorative activities in 2016, honouring those involved in the Vietnam War, and educating students about our military history.”