AROUND 40 people gathered at the Vansittart Park Soldier’s Memorial to honour the men and women who served Australia during the Vietnam War.
Among them were eight South East veterans who were part of the almost 60,000 Australians who served during the conflict.
A Mount Gambier Community Returned and Services League service started at 4pm on Friday and included a wreath laying ceremony by dignitaries including Mount Gambier Mayor Andrew Lee, Limestone Coast Police officer in charge Superintendent Grant Moyle and Grant District Councillor Alan Hill.
RSL president Bob Sandow told those gathered the Australian Army arrived in South Vietnam during July and August 1962.
“By the end of the war more than a decade later 521 of our soldiers had died and more than 3000 were wounded,” Mr Sandow said.
“Vietnam Veterans Day is commemorated annually on August 18 and this year marks the 51th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, one of the fiercest battles fought by Australian soldiers in Vietnam.
“A total of 17 Diggers were killed in action and 25 wounded, one of whom later died.”
Mr Sandow paid homage to three South East men who lost their lives in the war.
“Lieutenant Anthony Casadio, Private John Rogers and Sapper David Steen made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in 1968 and their names are inscribed here on the memorial,” Mr Sandow said.
“But it is also important to remember the unsung heroes like the doctors, nurses and padres who supported our troops in Vietnam.
“The Air Force Nursing Service flew more than 3000 injured and sick Australian and New Zealand servicemen from Vietnam back to their homes.”
Mr Sandow said Vietnam suffered great losses during the war and will also be remembered.
“An estimated 1.5 million Vietnamese were killed, of which around 500,000 were civilians,” he said.
In a written tribute, Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the day was a time to reflect on the contribution of community members to Australia’s war effort in Vietnam.
“This is an opportunity for veterans and the community to stand side-by-side, remembering the service and sacrifice of those who served in Vietnam,” he said.
“We are proud of the men and women who did their duty.”
