Vietnam veterans and Cobram Barooga RSL Sub-Branch members Rob Brown and Paul Bownas paid their respects to their fellow servicemen, some of whom came home, some who did not.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
They answered the call, leaving behind loved ones, careers and their own dreams to serve their nation.
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But when they returned home, Australia’s Vietnam veterans too often found turned backs and cold shoulders.
In a sign of the growing awareness of veterans’ sacrifices, community members gathered on Monday, August 18 for a respectful ceremony at the Cobram cenotaph to pay their tributes to the almost 60,000 Australian personnel who served their country in the Vietnam War.
“Our soldiers who went over to Vietnam — they were only doing what they were told to do,” Cobram Barooga RSL Sub-Branch president John Hanlon said.
“They didn’t decide to go. The politicians decided to send them, and they did what soldiers do: they obeyed orders.”
Cobram Barooga RSL Sub-Branch president John Hanlon emceed the ceremony.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
As bugler Lewis Brown performed the Last Post, pilots with the Murray Border Flying Club performed one of their many respectful flyovers in a helicopter and light aircraft.
Mr Hanlon said he was pleased by the success of the ceremony.
“We just want people to remember those that served and the sacrifices that they made. It’s not about war, it’s about remembering those that gave up a great deal,” he said.
“Many of them gave up their lives to look after our country and protect our people.”
Jan Brown addressed the audience with an explanation of the experiences of a Vietnam veteran’s wife.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Despite the cool winter’s morning, the event was attended by several veterans, their families, local police and students from Cobram Secondary College, Cobram Anglican Grammar School, St Joseph’s Primary School and Cobram Primary School.
A helicopter, piloted by members of the Murray Border Flying Club, was involved in the flyover at the ceremony on Monday.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
As part of Vietnam Veterans’ Day events across the country, the Battle of Long Tan is commemorated every year on August 18.
Almost 60 years ago, Australian servicemen found themselves in the midst of one of the bloodiest battles ever fought by Australia during its involvement in the Vietnam War.
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