Medowie commemorates Vietnam Veterans Day 2018 FEATURED Medowie & Tilligerry News Of The Area Medowie, Ferodale, Campvale by News Of The Area - Modern Media - August 23, 2018 Special guests, returned service men and women, and school representatives at Medowie Vietnam Veterans Day Service. A SMALL yet passionate crowd gathered at Medowie’s Lions Park Memorial on Saturday to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day for 2018. Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War began in an innocuous way when the government at the time sent a relatively small group of advisors in 1962. This small group of 30 grew to a force of 7672 personnel at the peak of Australia’s involvement. From 1962 until the fall of Saigon in 1975, it is estimated that over 60,000 Australians served in the war with over 3000 injured and 521 never seeing their family, friends and home ever again. The invention of television was widespread at this time and it gave those at home an opportunity to really see, for the first time, what war really looked like. Public sentiment quickly turned from being in favour of sending our troops to South East Asia to becoming vehemently against it. Unfortunately many of the returning service men and women bore the brunt of these protests. In time, society became more knowledgeable and respectful leading way to the “Welcome Home“ parade held in Sydney in 1987. This understanding and respect continues today through Vietnamese Veterans Day. The Medowie service began with a moving speech from Ian Harding, President of Medowie RSL Sub Branch, outlining the reasons why we were paying our respects. RAAF Pastor David Deal then spoke about the ultimate sacrifices that all service men and women have given. Bob parish from Medowie RSL Sub Branch then spoke passionately about the service given during the war as well as the difficulties many experienced after their service had come to an end. Several local clubs, schools and individuals laid wreaths to conclude the service, including but not limited to, students from Medowie Public School, Wirreanda Public School, ladies auxiliary and Kate Washington’s office. By Rachael VAUGHAN Students from Wirreanda listening intently to the service. Wirreanda Public School students pause and reflect after laying their offering at the cenotaph.
