2024
2023
A crowd of about 70 people gathered at the Seventh Street Memorial Mildura to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day.
This year marks 60 years since the war began and 50 years since the last Australian troops were withdrawn from the battle.
It is also the 47th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, the deadliest battle for Australian soldiers in the Vietnam war, where 18 Australians were killed and 24 were wounded.
Fellow Vietnam veteran Bernard Livingstone was the guest speaker at this year’s Mildura service.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
“The Australian Government intends to mark the occasion with a national Commemorative Service.
The Vietnam Veterans Vigil will provide surviving Vietnam Veterans and the Australian people the opportunity to participate in a meaningful way right across the nation and overseas in recognizing the individual loss and to pay their respects to those who were Killed in Action (KIA) and to show solidarity with their loved ones for their loss.
We intend to hold a Service of Remembrance at every grave or Commemorative plaque site across the nation and overseas on the 3 August 2023.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Mildura RSL held a graveside vigil for the late Ramon Deed, whom was seriously injured with multiple shrapnel wounds. This followed the accidental detonation of an M16 anti personnel mine whilst he was mine laying on the Horseshoe feature east of the main Australian Operational Base at Nui Dat. Ramon was airlifted by helicopter to the 36th US Evacuation Hospital at Vung Tau. He passed away from wounds on May 10, 1967.
The respect and support for Ramon Deed by the Mildura Community was shown with a great number of attendees that came to pay their respects.
2022
SUNRAYSIA’S Vietnam Veterans were honoured during a brief yet emotional commemoration service at the Seventh Street Memorial on Thursday.
The commemoration also marked the 50th anniversary of the withdrawal of the last of Australia’s combat elements from Vietnam, and the 56th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. It was acknowledged the Battle of Long Tan as a “significant moment” in the Australian efforts in Vietnam where Australian soldiers fought one of their fiercest battles of the war at a rubber plantation near the village of Long Tan.
The day was about commemorating all battles fought by our Australian Army and New Zealand Army in Vietnam, as well as the Royal Australian Army which supported land operations and the Royal Australian Air Force that served in combat.
About 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War with 521 lives lost.
2021
WEDNESDAY saw the Mildura RSL Sub Branch quietly commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day. Held on the anniversary of the battle of Long Tan, it is important date for veterans of the Vietnam War.
Current restrictions dictated that the commemoration was a low-key event with only a handful of RSL committee and veterans in attendance.
Mildura RSL President, Mr Gary Pearse said that it was unfortunate that more could not be done to honour those who served in Vietnam.
“Normally this service attracts veterans from around the district, but we were unable to have a crowd this year,” Mr Pearse said.
“Regardless, we felt that the day had to be commemorated and observed by the Mildura RSL, it is extremely important that we recognise all those who gave so much during this conflict and especially those who never returned.”
2019
Over 60 Veterans, Families, visitors and school children braved wet, windy and cold conditions to attend the 2019 Commemoration Service.
A reunion group from the 17 Construction Group Vietnam were also in attendance and enjoyed the hospitality of the MILDURA RSL over the weekend.
