* 30 August 2023 *

Marking the 50th Anniversary of the ADF withdrawing from Vietnam, this year’s Vietnam Veterans’ Day was particularly meaningful to those who served during the long Vietnam War.

“We remember the sacrifices of the 523 Australians who lost their lives during the Vietnam War,” says Janna Voloshin, CEO. “And we are forever indebted to the 60,000 Australians who served during the ten years of our involvement in the Vietnam War.”

More than 15,000 young men were conscripted into the Australian Army to serve in Vietnam: twenty-year-old Australian men had to register for national service between 1965 and 1972. Of these, over 200 died and more than 1,200 were injured.

“I’d like to thank our residents and staff for organising these services of remembrance and honouring the Vietnam Veterans in the Vasey RSL Care community.”

Vasey RSL Care Ex-Service Accommodation Cheltenham

Residents and friends marked the day with a memorial service, supported by Michael North representing the Vietnam Veterans Association Australia, and the 5/6 Royal Victorian Regiment who provided the Catafalque Party.

Guests included Vasey RSL Care CEO, Janna, General Manager Veteran Services, Chris, and Amanda from the Veteran Services team.

Vasey RSL Care Bundoora

Residents commemorated the day with a service and special guests, including Rob Winther from the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, Lieutenant Chase Fletcher from the Simpson Barracks and David Cretney, who played the bagpipes.

Rob Winther presented our Vietnam Veterans with certificates and medallions and spoke about the mistakes made in the past with the lack of acknowledgement for Vietnam Veterans.

The service was followed by afternoon tea, where residents had a chance to chat with guests.

Vasey RSL Care Brighton East

Residents, family members and staff held a memorial service in the gallery, pausing to reflect on the bravery, teamwork and endurance the Australian forces displayed throughout the Vietnam War. An Honor Roll was read and a wreath laid by family members of our Vietnam Veteran community.

Vasey RSL Care Frankston South

Residents, families, residents from the Frankston South Ex-Service Accommodation and staff took part in a service of commemoration for Vietnam Veterans’ Day. Vietnam Veterans took part in the service and laying wreaths in memory of lost comrades.

We welcome students from Derinya Primary School who participated in the service, and 11-year-old Henry who played the drum for us.