ON August 18, 2023, at the Deep Creek Camping grounds near Millaroo, both the Home Hill and Ayr RSL Sub-Branches hosted a small crowd recognising the selfless contributions of Vietnam Veterans.
They were marking 50 years since Australia ended its involvement in the Vietnam War—and they are grateful that their legacy of camaraderie, care and compassion lives on.
During Australia’s 10 plus years of involvement in the campaign, throughout that decade of service, 523 persons gave the ultimate sacrifice and more than 3000 were wounded or fell ill.
It is equally important that we also acknowledge that from the outset, the Vietnam War was considered politically and socially divisive.
Many veterans were not treated with the respect and honour they deserved upon returning home.
We must do what we can to acknowledge and honour the selfless service of our Vietnam Veterans.
We are lucky to call Australia home, but it is only the freedoms we so readily enjoy that are thanks to the veterans and their families who have gone before us.
To this, we must say “thank you.” I also acknowledge, with thanks, Major General Stephen Day DSC AM , the State President of RSL Queensland.
