Corowa RSL Sub-Branch president Lesley Rinehart and vice president Lucille Thomas with Corowa High School’s James Frazer pictured at last Friday's Vietnam Veterans Day service.
Members of the Corowa RSL Sub-Branch came together to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day last Friday, honouring the brave men and women who served during the Vietnam War.
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Despite the inclement weather outside, the Lone Pine Room of the Corowa RSL Club became a haven of respect and remembrance, as locals and around 40 veterans from the Fifth Australian Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR) gathered to pay their respects.
Members of the Fifth Australian Royal Australian Regiment who came from all across Australia for a special reunion in Corowa.
The event was particularly meaningful as it coincided with the reunion of the 5RAR Regiment, which served in South Vietnam. These veterans, hailing from various corners of Australia, came together in Corowa for three days to reconnect with fellow comrades.
The commemorative service commenced at 11am with a warm welcome delivered by President of the Corowa RSL Sub-Branch Lesley Rinehart.
Following her welcome, a moving commemorative address was delivered by Corowa High School student James Frazer.
In his address, James highlighted the enduring significance of the Anzac spirit in modern Australian identity.
He praised Vietnam veterans as exemplars of this spirit.
Wreath laying by 5RAR members.
“The values of courage, endurance, initiative, discipline, and mateship are what make the Anzac legend so special, and that is very much reflected in those men and women who valiantly served our country during Vietnam,” he said.
“In a new war, fighting a new style of enemy in a new terrain, the Australians adapted and overcame a much larger enemy force than themselves.
“Fifty years since the end of the Vietnam War, we pay our respects. I would like to personally thank each Vietnam vet here today.
“You as well as your comrades were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice so we could continue to live in this free land today.”
Following his heartfelt speech, a poignant Wreath Laying ceremony took place.
Geoff Wright from the Rivereens performed the iconic song “We Were Only 19,” an emotional reminder of the experiences of those who served during the Vietnam War.
The ceremony continued with the Ode, the playing of the Last Post, and a minute of silence to honour the fallen.
As the event drew to a close President Lesley expressed her gratitude to all attendees and extended special thanks to her committee members for their efforts in organizing the solemn commemoration.
The Vietnam War, spanning from 1962 to 1975, was one of the longest conflicts of the 20th century.
Corowa High School’sJames Frazer delivers the commemorative address.
Throughout the course of the war, more than 60,000 Australian defense personnel were deployed to Vietnam. Initially, Australia sent military advisers in 1962, which eventually led to the deployment of a full battalion in 1965 and a task force in 1966. The last combat troops returned home in March 1972, a few years before the war concluded.
In 1975, Australian forces returned to Vietnam for evacuations and humanitarian aid during the final days of the conflict.
Tragically, more than 500 Australians lost their lives during the war, and over 3,000 Australians were evacuated due to wounds, injuries, or illness.
Vietnam Veterans Day last Friday marked the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
RSL NSW took the opportunity to apologise to veterans of the Vietnam War who, in some cases, were turned away by the organisation when they returned from service.
“RSL NSW acknowledges a generation of veterans who are still healing, and we publicly recognise our charity’s past mistakes this Vietnam Veterans Day,” RSL NSW President Ray James said.
“As a Vietnam veteran myself, it’s extremely important to me that all veterans know that RSL NSW is committed to ensuring that no veteran is ever left feeling unwelcome.
“RSL NSW has made huge strides to ensure it is an inclusive and welcoming organisation for all veterans and their families. We want all veterans to know that when they walk into any of our Sub-Branches across NSW, they will find a welcoming and supportive community, and be connected to the specialised services they need.”
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