The prejudice, ignorance, loneliness and loss that Vietnam War servicemen and women have been forced to face for the past five decades was addressed by Medowie RSL Sub-Branch president Ian Harding to a crowd of about 60 on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Speaking to those gathered in Lions Park for the sub-branch's annual Vietnam Veterans Day service, Mr Harding posed a series of "can you image" scenarios to those in attendance, which only served to highlight the hardships veterans of the 1962-1975 war went through and continue to battle with to this day.
"Can you imagine going on leave and having a beer served by someone who was probably a spy?" Mr Harding asked the crowd.
"Can you imagine returning to Australia and being called a murder after serving Australia in Vietnam as a solider or sailor? Can you imagine, on return, being told 'you didn't serve in a real war'? Can you imagine being told that agent orange not harmful at all?"
"Today we should remember the motto of the Vietnam Veterans Association: Honour the dead, but fight like hell for the living. We will fight to ensure you're not just remembered but that you're properly respected and supported."
Port Stephens naval association president and Medowie RSL Sub-Branch member Bob Parish also addressed the crowd on Sunday, August 18, recalling the origins or the Vietnam War. He later led the crowd in prayer.
Port Stephens central ward councillor Chris Doohan paid tribute those those who served during the Vietnam War, saying it was important to remember the strength, courage and mateship they showed, but also the silent pain "of those who did return home without welcome".
Mr Harding was the first to lay a wreath on Sunday followed by Mr Parish, Tilligerry RSL Sub-Branch president Paul Carleton, Port Stephens MP Kate Washington, Medowie Public School students and representatives from such services as Legacy and CWA.
Cr Doohan placed a book at the Lions Park war memorial, which Mr Harding later presented to the four Medowie Public School students who attended Sunday's service.
Mr Harding said he was happy to see such a strong turnout to the service, especially on a Sunday.
Vietnam Veterans Day services in Nelson Bay and Karuah were also well attended on Sunday. Sub-branch secretary Russell Durrant said Nelson Bay's service went "very well" and was attended by about 60 people.
Peter Fidden, president of Karuah RSL Sub-Branch, said its service was attended by about 70 people, including a group from the 17th Construction Squadron who had been in Tea Gardens.
ALSO READ
