The Gloucester RSL Sub-branch is to conduct a combined Vietnam Veterans’ Day Commemoration on August 23. All ex-servicemen and women are invited to attend the march and service at the clock tower. Members from Newcastle, Stroud and Dungog will be attending. The public are also invited to attend.

Timetable:

10.15am, assemble at the Soldiers’ Club for march.

10.35am, march to the clock tower.

11am, service at the clock tower.

The Vietnam War commenced for Australia in 1964 and ended in 1972. It was Australia’s longest commitment to any conflict – 511 Australian military personnel and seven civilians were killed, six were missing in action, and 2,069 wounded – 59,520 Australians served in Vietnam.

It was a very costly war: 58,169 Americans were killed and 304,000 wounded. 220,557 South Vietnamese allied soldiers were killed. 444,000 North Vietnamese soldiers were killed. 587,000 civilians were killed.

The Vietnam War was one of the most controversial conflicts in Australian history, however, the soldiers conducted themselves with honour and served their country in a way that would make the original Anzacs proud.

On August 23 we will remember and commemorate their service and their sacrifice. Although there were many battles and conflicts during those 10 years, we will focus on the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Coral–Balmoral.

Lest We Forget. – MP.