50th Anniversary Since End of Australian Involvement in Vietnam War: It was an absolute honour to join and be part of nine other Vietnam Veterans in the Members Hall Parliament House Canberra for the launch of the 50th anniversary commemorative medallion to honour those who served in South Vietnam. The medallion and certificate were presented by Prime Minister Mr Anthony Albanese. These medallions and certificates are available for every Vietnam Veteran, their widows and other family members by way of application to www.dva.gov.au/vietnam50
Amongst those also present were the Leader of the Opposition Mr Dutton, Mr Matt Keogh Minister of Veterans Affairs, and General Angus Campbell.
About two weeks ago I was contacted by the Department of Veterans Affairs Canberra and asked if I would be interested in attending a presentation and announcement at Parliament House between 9.30 and 11.00am on Wednesday 29th March then Parliament Question Time at 2.00pm. I would have to be in business dress with medals. I was selected as one of ten Vietnam Veterans to attend. The ten veterans represented Army, Navy and Airforce.
On arrival I found that I was the only Engineer representing the Corps of Engineers, the only volunteer National Serviceman and the lowest rank of the then, that being Sapper.
We met with DVA staff for a briefing then were bussed to Parliament House. And after the presentation and photographs Mr Albanese said out loud to me: “I’m going to make this man a cup of tea”, and walked me to the beverage table in the Members Hall. He said, “How do you have your tea?” I replied, “Can I have an orange juice instead”. He replied, “Yes, I will have one with you”. He poured the beverage and we clicked glasses in cheers. We then had a long conversation about the Rabbitohs football team, myself having been a Redfern “houso”, and Latrelle Mitchell being a great footballer from Taree.
I then moved on to speak to General Angus Campbell, leader of the Australian Defence Force, Mr Matt Keogh Minister of Veterans Affairs, and Mr Peter Dutton Opposition Leader.
We were then bussed back to our accommodation for lunch with some DVA staff, then returned to Parliament House for Question Time where Mr Albanese and Mr Dutton honoured us with a speech thanking us for our service. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
At all times during the lead up and during the day of this event, the DVA staff involved with the organisation were at all times courteous and generous with their time. I am grateful for being included in such an important event.
