National shame: RSL NSW issues apology to Vietnam veterans

RSL NSW issued the apology to Vietnam War veterans who received adverse treatment or were turned away by the organisation when they returned from service.

Of the almost 60,000 Australian military personnel who served in the Vietnam War, there were 523 lives lost and some 3,000 wounded. Those returning home faced a barrage of criticism, even from other veterans.

Veterans were initially mistreated by anti-war protestors who had formed from the increasingly unpopular public attitude to the Vietnam War.

Public opinion had moved against the war with many Australians considering that the country had been dragged into an American conflict and there was also public pushback against the introduction of a conscription scheme for 20-year-old men in 1964.

Televised news reports showing the destruction and terrible conditions of the conflict also shocked the public, while Vietnam War veterans were ostracised by other World War military veterans because there was a prevailing opinion that it was “not a real war”.

Towards the later stages of the war, details also emerged regarding the use of Agent Orange, chemical defoliants and napalm equipment which was at odds with public opinion.

The apology on 18 August coincides with the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

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RSL NSW president Ray James said RSL NSW has made huge strides to ensure it is an inclusive and welcoming organisation for all veterans and their families.

“RSL NSW acknowledges a generation of veterans who are still healing and we publicly recognise our charity’s past mistakes this Vietnam Veterans’ Day,” he said.

“As a Vietnam veteran myself, it’s extremely important to me that all veterans know that RSL NSW is committed to ensuring that no veteran is ever left feeling unwelcome.

“We want all veterans to know that when they walk into any of our sub-branches across NSW, they will find a welcoming and supportive community, and be connected to the specialised services they need.

“RSL NSW welcomes veterans and their families to join in commemorations, events, and recreational activities that build on the foundations of the RSL, particularly mateship and camaraderie.

“This is our promise to veterans.”

Veteran care has changed over time with improved services and support, mateship and camaraderie, according to James.

RSL NSW has 320 sub-branches and is home to more than 27,000 members. More than 2,943 new members have joined RSL NSW in 2022 and the RSL NSW sub-branches donated $3.1 million to its charity partner RSL LifeCare Veteran Services during that year.

“After serving in Vietnam, I found much-needed support in the connections made at the City of Newcastle RSL sub-branch,” said City of Newcastle RSL sub-branch president Ken Fayle.

“This wasn’t the case for all Vietnam veterans; many were left ostracised when returning from conflict, without access to key support services.”

RSL NSW Young Veterans Committee chair Bronte Pollard said this apology reflects a commitment to build support for all veterans and their families in the community.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the experiences during and after the war are a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served Australia.

“This year, as we mark the 50th anniversary since the role of Australian troops in the hostilities in Vietnam came to a close, we acknowledge the service and sacrifice made by our veterans,” he said.

“Many of our troops returned to face new battles at home and not every one of those battles was won – it is important as Australians we know the stories of service in Vietnam and what our veterans faced when returned home.

“We honour you, we thank you, and we are so sorry it took us so long as a nation to do so.

“We should have acknowledged you better as a nation then. But the truth is, as a nation we didn’t,” Prime Minister Albanese said during a speech in Ipswich, Queensland on 18 August.

“Times have changed, though regrettably too slowly for many veterans who are no longer with us.

“But we have matured enough as a nation to embrace the truth that we can disagree with a war without that diminishing the respect we feel for every man and woman who puts on our uniform and serves in our name.

“Respect for your valour, your integrity, and your character. Respect for the truth that you have all paid a price; a price that some are still paying.

“Respect for the fact that you live with the memory of mates who never came back, and memories of all that you lived through.

“You upheld Australia’s name. You showed the Australian character at its finest. You deserved so very much better than you received.

“Let us say to every one of our Vietnam veterans, today and every day, we honour you, we thank you, and we are sorry that as a nation, it took us so long for us as a nation to do so.”