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Thousands of Vietnam War veterans will be acknowledged for their service by the Returned & Services League of Australia on the 50th anniversary commemoration of the end of the conflict.
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Many veterans recall the widespread protests in Australia and globally against this war, as well as the recollections and experiences of veterans returning home from the conflict, according to RSLA national president Greg Melick.
The RSLA honours and commemorates those who served and didn’t return home and acknowledges the service of those deployed as well as the sacrifices of those who supported from home including service families, he said.
“For those who returned home and did not receive the welcome they deserved, RSLA would like to highlight and acknowledge this and note that veterans from all conflicts are welcome within the RSL and always will be,” Greg Melick said.
“The RSL represents all veterans and their families and advocates for policy and services to best support them.”
Greg Melick said the government’s issuing of a commemorative medallion and certificate available to every veteran of the Vietnam War on application was important in recognising those who served during the conflict.
“Some 60,000 Australians served in the conflict, with 2,400 Australians wounded in battle, and tragically 523 died in the war,” he said.
“Many thousands more continued to suffer on returning home. These people are owed a debt that can never be repaid.
“The issues that many veterans still face today, particularly in the identification and treatment of mental health are being highlighted by witnesses and submissions to the current Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
“Australia must do better in our treatment of veterans and this 50th anniversary of the ending of the Vietnam War and the associated honouring of those who served should be viewed as an important step in the right direction.”
