Tribute to Vietnam veterans

By Kath Gannaway
A WORLD War II digger in his nineties, and brothers aged two and three, were among members of the public who braved gale-force winds and torrential rain to pay tribute to Vietnam Veterans on Sunday.
Yarra Valley Vietnam Veterans Day was hosted this year by Upper Yarra RSL with a service at the Yarra Junction Cenotaph followed by lunch at the RSL.
Though the numbers were small, public support in such appalling weather was appreciated by veterans such as Clive Chan-Algie.
Mr Chan-Algie took part for the first time in the service, which since its beginnings four years ago has steadily increased in veteran and public participation.
Mr Chan-Algie, from Yarra Junction, turned 21 on his tour of duty in 1970-71 as a member of the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Medical Corps.
He said the day gave veterans a chance to get together and remember their comrades, the fallen, and the sacrifices made.
Those sacrifices were reflected on by guest speak-er Ken Swincer of the 4 RAR Association.
He said those who served in Vietnam had lived up to the benchmark set by the original Anzacs.
“They stepped up to the plate and equalled the very best of the best,” Mr Swincer said.
The battle of Long Tan, he said, became to Vietnam as Gallipoli was to World War I when 120 soldiers of Delta Coy, 6th Battalion, overcame insurmountable odds to defeat the more than 2000 strong enemy force.
“There were incredible acts of bravery and heroism that day but for Delta Coy it came at a price, the death of 18 men and 21 wounded,” Mr Swincer said.
He said Vietnam Veterans Day was a time to remember the 506 Australians who died, and those who came home.
“We also remember and stand by those of us here today who continue to pay that price with both physical injury and psychological wounds that never heal,” he said.
He borrowed a quote from Vietnam serviceman Harry Whiteside to finish.
Healesville High School captains Joe Kay and Clare McPherson presented a reading and a poem and wreaths were laid by representatives of federal, state and local government, Yarra Valley RSL sub-branches, service associations and community organisations.
Vietnam Veterans’ Day is an initiative of the Vietnam Veterans’ Community and Healesville, Lilydale, Upper Yarra and Warburton RSL sub-branches.