VETERANS from all wars gathered to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day at an intimate ceremony held at Tea Gardens’ Anzac Park memorial on Monday 18 August.
The date, 18 August, was originally the commemoration of the Battle of Long Tan, a major Australian action that took place amongst the rubber trees of Long Tan in 1966.
Tea Gardens RSL sub-Branch President Mal Motum recited several facts about that encounter, including how Delta Company was outnumbered at least 10 to one, with New Zealand artillery assisting day and night, only losing 18 Australians to the Viet Cong’s 225.
“We gather in solemn gratitude to mark Vietnam Veterans Day and reflect on the extraordinary service, sacrifice and resilience of those who answered the call during one of the most complex chapters of our nation’s history,” Mr Motum said.
“We are joined by men and women whose courage carried them through foreign jungles, shifting politics, and long journeys home.
“To our Vietnam veterans: thank you. Your strength and quiet dignity have helped shape not only our community, but the Australia we are proud to call free.”
Guest speaker Merv Mills, a veteran of the Vietnam conflict, spoke poignantly about his experiences.
Merv was a 20-year-old working in finance in 1966, when he wore his shiny black shoes and white-collar suit into the sixth intake at Marrickville Army Induction Centre in September 1966.
“Haircut, medical, vaccines, clothing and dental, then off to recruit training at Singleton – ‘yes sir, no sir, lift your feet, wake up’,” Merv recalled his time in the National Service.
Merv was eventually allotted to artillery at North Head, then posted to Holsworthy with his battery, until, after two years, in 1968, he was asked if he had any objections to being sent to Vietnam.
Upon saying ‘no’, they sent him on a Qantas flight from Mascot to Perth to pick up some special forces, then off to Singapore and Butterworth Air Base in Malaya – the flight being diverted by the Tet Offensive of 1968.
Then, finally, he was lifted into Vung Tau, then road transported to Nui Dat, and told to expect anything.
As an artillery gunner, Merv used an M2A2 howitzer, the very same model of artillery that is on display at Tea Gardens’ Anzac Park, which he said was a strategic part of the service, and was also used by US and New Zealand troops.
“You meet all different characters from all walks of life, you change your perspective very quickly,” Merv explained.
“Upon return to Australia at the end of my time, we were treated differently, we still have memories of our tour and flashbacks even today.
“To all service men and women, Army, Navy, Air Force, serving in the past and now at this present time, to all the men who fought at Long Tan, we salute you.”
Reverend Richard Goscombe spoke about the juxtaposition of the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII and Vietnam Veterans Day, citing the very different treatment of veterans as they returned from the two respective conflicts.
“Many returned veterans never shared what happened to them, so I encourage you to support each other and tell your stories. Those who benefitted will not forget, will understand,” said Rev Goscombe.
“It is great to see a return to educating about costs paid, as many recoil, do not want to know nor see, but the blood of those who died there cries out to you, even now.”
Four wreaths were then laid, one for the Vietnam veterans, as well as one for each of the armed forces.
“It’s fitting too that this date falls so close to Victory in the Pacific Day… together, these commemorations remind us that every generation of service builds on the one before, and that the freedom we enjoy today is the result of their shared sacrifice,” concluded Tea Gardens RSL sub-Branch Treasurer Terry Munright.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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