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A COMMEMORATIVE service will be held at the Seventh Street Memorial on Friday to make Vietnam Veterans’ Day.

Mildura RSL president Paul McDermott, a navy veteran who served in Vietnam, will preside over proceedings, starting with a tribute to the nation’s servicemen and women who took part in the campaign.

Manager of Veterans Services at Mildura RSL Paul Mensch said veterans, their families and all members of the public are invited to commemorate their efforts.

“It’s not just the soldiers on the ground in Vietnam, but it was the sailors, the airmen, the nurses, even the entertainment that went over to put themselves in danger to entertain the troops,” Mr Mensch said.

“All of these people need remembering in what was a 10 year war and more than 500 (Australian) people never came home.”

Mr Mensch said the war was controversial, and many veterans were treated poorly upon their return home.

“To actually have their own day to commemorate those who didn’t come home and those who served is important for all of our Vietnam veterans,” he said.

Fellow Vietnam veteran Bernard Livingstone will be a guest speaker at this year’s service in Mildura.

The service will take place at 12.30pm on Friday, a complimentary lunch and drinks for veterans and partners will be available at the Mildura RSL at the conclusion of the service.

Article written by: Wade Stephens

Article provided by The Sunraysia Daily
https://www.sunraysiadaily.com.au