Regional Victorians will be able to pay their respects to our Vietnam veterans when VetRide 2016 begins on Monday
Minister for Veterans John Eren joined Members for Northern Victoria Steve Herbert and Jaclyn Symes to remind Victorians of their chance to watch the Tour as it passes through the state.
VetRide 2016 begins at the Seymour Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk. The Tour also visits Benalla, Glenrowan and Beechworth, before finishing at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra.
The tour is a great way to make friends, get healthy and honour the servicemen and women who defended our nation. Past and present Australian Defence Force members have received a discount on their Tour entry fees.
It’s also a great chance for regional Victorian towns to welcome new visitors, which stimulates local economies. They’ll be keeping local bakeries, cafes and other small businesses busy, and giving communities an opportunity to showcase the best of everything they offer.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, where 108 brave young men from D Company RAR resisted an attack of more than 1500 Viet Cong soldiers in what became one of the most extraordinary chapters in Australia’s military history.
Many Victorians have a connection with war and a story to tell. The 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan is a chance for Victorians to remember and reflect on the impacts of the Vietnam War, and pay tribute to those who served there.
The VetRide 2016 itinerary can be found on the next page. For more information please visit:
Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans John Eren
“This is a great chance to turn out and honour the sacrifice of our Vietnam veterans. You’ll be supporting a great cause, and boosting the local economy too.”
Quotes attributable to VVAA Victorian Branch State President Bob Elworthy AM
“The Victorian VetRide Service and Sacrifice Route is an important part of our commemorative activities in 2016, honouring those who were involved in the Vietnam War.”
VetRide 2016 Itinerary
Day One: Seymour to Benalla – Includes Mangalore, Avenel, Longwood, Euroa (with a commemoration service held at Euroa VC Memorial), Balmattum, Violet Town
Day Two: Benalla to Albury – Includes Winton, Glenrowan, Oxley, Milawa, Beechworth, Wooragee
Day Three: Albury to Wagga Wagga
Day Four: Wagga Wagga to Cootamundra
Day Five: Cootamundra to Yass
Day Six: Yass to O’Connor
Day Seven: O’Connor to Canberra
Reviewed 19 August 2020