A group of Victorian students will visit Vietnam as part of a study tour to mark the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
Acting Minister for Veterans Philip Dalidakis today announced the ten students selected for the tour, who submitted projects that explore the topic of the “controversial Vietnam war”.
The successful students are:
- Angelina Clancy – Nagle College
- Lauren McIlveen – Camperdown College
- Alifa Nugroho – Gleneagles Secondary College
- Annebelle Davey – Kew High School
- Kiarah Birthisel – Red Cliffs Secondary College
- Georgia Perris – Horsham College
- Harry Scott – Saint Mary Mackillop College
- Chelsea Petterson – Yarram Secondary College
- Katelyn Charry – Assumption College
- Alexander Ivanov – Oberon High School
The Vietnam War was Australia’s longest conflict of the 20th century. Almost 60,000 Australians fought in the war. More than 500 Australians lost their lives serving their country. The students travelling to Vietnam will visit key battle sites, as well as significant locations in Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon and Hanoi.
Vietnam Veterans Day is August 18, the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, and the Andrews Labor Government is helping Victorian schools send students to the Vietnam Veterans Day march and service at the Shrine of Remembrance.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Veterans Philip Dalidakis
“Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, which is why we’re sending a great group of young leaders to Vietnam, who will then be able to come home and share their special experience with their colleagues.”
“The Vietnam Veterans Day march and service at the Shrine of Remembrance will be a great opportunity to pay our respects to the veterans who did us proud.”
Quotes attributable to Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Victoria Branch President Bob Elworthy
“As we reflect on 50 years since the Battle of Long Tan, it’s important we safeguard these special moments in our nation’s story for future generations to cherish.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020