Honouring our Vietnam Veterans’ service and sacrifice

RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM is encouraging Queenslanders to formally recognise the invaluable contribution and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans by attending Vietnam Veterans’ Day commemorative services across Queensland on Thursday August 18.   

The son of a Vietnam veteran, MAJGEN Stephen Day says the day is of significant importance to the RSL.  

“Vietnam Veterans’ Day is an opportunity to remember those Australians who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their service in Vietnam,” he said.  

“The very date marks the day when our troops fought one of their fiercest battles of the Vietnam War, the Battle of Long Tan.

“The Vietnam War was politically and socially divisive, and many veterans were not treated with the respect and honour they deserved when they returned.

“Fortunately, when they came home, even though some Australians turned their back on them, they never turned their backs on us. They continued to serve in their communities, as volunteers, as teachers, as police, as elected officials. And they made it their mission to make sure that the next generation of returned service men and women and their families, received the support and respect they were often denied.
 
“Now, nearly 50 years’ on from when Australia ended its involvement in the Vietnam War, we see that the legacy of their comradery, care, and compassion lives on,” MAJGEN Day said.

From the 60,000 Australian Defence personnel who served in Vietnam, more than 520 died and almost 3,000 were wounded - during ten years of our involvement in the Vietnam War - communities around the country will gather to honour the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam Veterans.  

RSL Sub Branches across our state will, in their honour, host commemorative services to help tell their story. The day is also a chance for us to recognise their service and thank the many Vietnam veterans who volunteer their time in Sub Branches and in their local communities. 

We encourage Queenslanders to join us in honouring the veterans who served and sacrificed for our nation in the Vietnam War. 

To find your nearest RSL Sub Branch commemorative service go to rslqld.org/whats-on or to tune into the Last Post Ceremony being held at the Australian War Memorial at 4.55pm AEST on Thursday 18th August, visit www.rslqld.org/vietnamveteransday

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT

Kate McKay Corporate Communication and Media Manager
Kate.McKay@rslqld.org
0436 012 535 

About Vietnam Veterans’ Day

Vietnam Veterans’ Day is commemorated on 18 August, which is the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. This battle was one of the most significant conflicts for Australian service personnel who fought in the Vietnam War.  Every year, RSL Queensland remembers the sacrifices of almost 60,000 Australians made – including more than 520 who died and some 3,000 who were wounded – during ten years of involvement in the Vietnam War.

About RSL Queensland 

RSL Queensland is the largest ex-services organisation and provides wellbeing and critical support to returned service men and women and their families through DVA claims assistance, welfare support, employment program, accommodation and homelessness services, education and scholarships.

RSL Queensland has spent more than 100 years working to build and foster a community where veterans can find connection, support and understanding. RSL Queensland’s mission is to provide veteran support while evolving to meet the needs of our ever-changing community.

For more information go to rslqld.org