“I assume that I am like other vets in that a day rarely goes by that one does not think about Vietnam. It is part of us, and we can never ever shake it.”

Those were the words of Tocumwal RSL president Alf Grayson as he reflected on his experience of the Vietnam War and the sacrifices made by those who served.

Vietnam Veterans’ Day was commemorated on Tuesday, August 18, with RSL sub-branches from across the region gathering for a service hosted by Tocumwal RSL Club.

More than 80 people attended the service, including members of the Cobram-Barooga, Berrigan, Finley and Jerilderie RSL sub-branches, alongside members of the broader community.

NSW and Victoria RSL community relations partner Keaton Johnson was also in attendance.

The service featured a flyover involving three planes and a helicopter, adding a special tribute to the commemorations.

Mr Grayson was posted to South Vietnam on March 25, 1968, at the age of 19, returning to Australia a year later on March 25, 1969.

During his time in Vietnam, he was posted to several communication units, primarily maintaining rear-link communications to Australia, as well as communications within the various Australian Army bases, including fire support bases.

He continued his military service until 1986, with his final posting as a Warrant Officer Class One.

“From 1962 to 1972, almost 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam conflict, more than 3000 were wounded and 524 gave their lives,” Mr Grayson said.

“On Vietnam Veterans’ Day, we celebrate our people who served on ships, conducted mine-clearing operations, provided training and assistance to South Vietnamese forces.

“People who fought in jungles, scrub, paddies, towns and villages, flew combat and air support missions, tended to the wounded, and performed a myriad of other tasks.”

Mr Grayson also reflected on the Battle of Long Tan, one of the most significant events in the war.

“On August 18, 1966, in a rubber plantation near the village of Long Tan, Australians fought one of their fiercest battles of the war,” he said.

“The men of Delta Company, 6th Battalion faced a force of some 2000 Northern Vietnamese and by day’s end 17 Australians had been killed in action and 25 wounded, one of whom died a few days later.”

The service also recognised the important role nurses and medical staff played during the conflict.

Mr Grayson said particular acknowledgement should be given to the nursing staff of the Australian 1st Field Hospital at Vung Tau, who cared for wounded service personnel.

“The nurses and staff achieved a 99 per cent survival rate for patients arriving at the hospital alive,” he said.

“We also recognise that many of those who served continue to carry the impacts of the experience with them today.

“The opposition to the Vietnam War caused deep ill feeling in returning veterans, lending to a sense of alienation, perceived public hostility, and delayed recognition of their service and trauma.”

Mr Grayson said that while the extent of direct physical harassment of veterans remained debated by historians, the cultural backlash had an impact on veterans’ mental health and their transition back into normal life.

Cobram Barooga RSL secretary Rosa Perri said it was a “nice service” and thanked Tocumwal RSL for the invitation.

Tocumwal RSL secretary Maggie Stewart said it was great to see so many Vietnam veterans together.

“I want to give a big thank you to the veterans and ex-servicemen for giving their time and all those that supported and attended the service,” she said.

“Also a big thank you to John Williams and co-pilets from the Tocumwal Aero Club for the flyover.”

Mr Grayson closed his address by thanking those who served.

“We thank all those who served and their families who support them,” he said.

“There can be no greater honour than to serve your nation in uniform in armed conflict.”

Lest we forget.

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Tuesday, 23rd December 2031

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