By Tanya Faulkner
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old.
This week marks the 50th anniversary of the removal of Australian troops from the Vietnam War, and another year of commemoration in the Hills community held on Sunday 13 August.
The ceremony, which kicked off with a parade down Maroondah Highway in Healesville’s town centre, was hosted this year by the Healesville RSL.
Onlookers were witness to local police, CFA, SES, Air Force Cadets, marching band, Healesville Scout Group, local and federal government representatives, St Bridget’s School students, and Veterans of the Vietnam war as they marched down the road to the RSL.
Healesville RSL President Collette Shaw said they were blown away by the number of people in attendance.
“It’s a fantastic turnout today, and we have quite a number of RSL presidents from the region here,” she said.
At least 200 people were in attendance at the memorial, paying their respects to the soldiers that sacrificed their lives and futures, to grant us the freedoms we experience today.
Federal MP for Casey Aaron Violi said this commemoration is not just for those who served in the war, it’s also for their families and the challenges they experience for years to come.
“We’ve had a wonderful turnout this year, and it’s important for us to recognise 50 years since the Vietnam war and the service our vets put in,” he said.
Mr Violi said the government is working to improve the way veterans are treated upon their return from service, including ensuring they get the entitlements they deserve, and are properly recognised for their service.
“While we can’t change the past, we need to work better into the future with how we treat veterans,” he said.
Recently, the government awarded the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit to the First Australian Task Force of Vietnam all units and elements.
The most moving part of the memorial was the playing of I was only Nineteen by Redgum, written about what it was like to experience the Vietnam War first hand, from enlistment and training, first hand exposure to military operations and combat, and his return home.
The service was concluded with the official laying of the wreaths, the Last Post, and the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia, before breaking out to morning tea at the RSL.
Next year’s service will be held by the Knox RSL in Boronia, with the official dates yet to come.
