Kerry Bartlett (Macquarie, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On 20 August the Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans and Associated Forces continued the tradition they began in 1985 by commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan with a march and memorial service for Vietnam veterans in Springwood. After local students and community groups marched with our local ex-service men and women through the streets of Springwood, a moving memorial service was held at the local cenotaph. In his address Vice Chief of the Australian Defence Force, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, encouraged each of us to continue taking part in these vital commemorations to demonstrate our pride and gratitude for those who have served, and those who continue to serve, our country.

The Battle of Long Tan was perhaps the most groundbreaking conflict of the Vietnam War, where 18 Australians paid the highest price to defeat enemy forces against overwhelming odds. We thank our local ex-service organisations—in this instance the Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans and Associated Forces in particular—for their tireless efforts in ensuring Australians are given opportunities such as these to honour the service of our past and present defence personnel. Perhaps one of the greatest legacies of our Vietnam veterans is the camaraderie they displayed on the battlefield that was so evident and inspiring in our commemorative march. Their mateship is truly an example of the Australian spirit that we cherish today.

The federal government’s Saluting Their Service commemorations program provided a number of local organisations in Macquarie and around Australia with funding for their special anniversary commemorations. It is vital that we continue to support these selfless organisations. (Time expired)