As the nation celebrates Vietnam Veterans Day on Friday, August 18, organisations across the Coast will pay tribute to those who served.
Terrigal-Wamberal RSL Sub-Branch President Scott Warr said this year marked the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s 10 year commitment to the war.
The sub-branch will hold a service outside Breakers Country Club at 11am on August 18, with a get-together in the club to follow.
“We will be remembering the Battle of Long Tan, which was the most significant conflict of the war, where we lost the most people,” Warr said.
“Just over a third of our membership – 37 of our 107 active members – served in Vietnam.”
Past president of the sub-branch and Vietnam vet Terry Saxby will share reflections on his time in Vietnam with the 104 Battery/12th Field Regiment.
Called up for national service in 1967 and trained as an artillery signaller, Saxby was posted to Vietnam in 1968, attached to a forward observation unit with V Company 4RAR/NZ (Anzac) Bn.
“We will be honouring veterans of any conflict – including Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor – on the day,” Warr said.
“Many of these veterans recount experiences of not being welcomed home as previous veterans, who served in Borneo, Korea and WWII, had been.
“Some of them were ridiculed and put down.
“A lot of vets still have a bad feeling about their return from service.
“The RSL didn’t do a very good job in those days and didn’t look after these younger vets, which led to the formation of groups such as the Vietnam Veterans’ Association.
“But we have been doing a lot of work trying to provide engagement and recognition within the RSL movement to recognise these more contemporary vets.
“A number of sub-branches are marking the day.”
Toukley Sub-Branch will hold a service at 11am on August 18 at the cenotaph, at Club Ary, Main Rd, Toukley.
The Vietnam Veterans’ Association will hold a service at 11am on Sunday, August 20, at the memorial on the Ettalong waterfront.
It will feature a piper playing Amazing Grace and cadets from 25 Australian Cadet Union (ACU) Erina.
Guest speaker will be Cadet captain from 25 ACU Erina Richard Douglas.
The service will be followed by a luncheon and show featuring Nathan Foley at Ettalong Diggers, with tickets available through the club.
Terry Collins