THE Medowie RSL Sub-Branch will pay homage to all Australians who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War at this Friday’s special Vietnam Veterans’ Day 50th Anniversary Commemoration service in Medowie.

The event – which marks 50 years since Australia ended its involvement in the Vietnam War – will be held at the Medowie Social, 36A Ferodale Road, Medowie from 11am on August 18.

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“The service is a tribute to the 60,000 men and women who served in Vietnam,” Bernie Edmonds, Senior Vice President, Medowie RSL sub-Branch, told News Of The Area.

“I encourage the Port Stephens community to come along and honour living Australian veterans who served in Vietnam and those who have since passed away or were tragically killed in action,” Mr Edmonds reflected.

“It is a meaningful way to honour their service and recognise the sacrifice of those who never returned home,” he said.

Schools attending the service include Medowie Public School, Wirreanda Public School, Medowie Christian School and Catherine McAuley College.

Medowie Public School Captain Lucy Wilbow, a Vietnam Veteran descendant, will read a poem entitled ‘A Day to Say Thank You’.

The school’s children are also making their own wreath.

The Wirreanda Public School Captain will read ‘Unless You’ve Been a Soldier’, while the Catherine McAuley College Captain will recite The Ode and Medowie Christian School will read ‘The Battle of Long Tan’.

Also in attendance will be Leah Anderson, representing Port Stephens MP Kate Washington, Port Stephens Councillor Jason Wells and representatives from NSW Police.

RAAF Base Williamtown will provide a Catafalque Party, while the bugler is Blaine Stubbs from the Army Reserve Band Adamstown.

The Pastoral address and prayers will be given by Chaplain Flight Lieutenant Damien Warren.

The Vietnam Oration will focus on 2 Squadron’s involvement in the conflict and will be delivered by Flying Officer Georgia Crean.

Also attending to lay tributes and represent RAAF Williamtown will be Wing Commander David Fattore, Commanding Officer 26 Squadron.

The Catafalque Party Commander is Flight Lieutenant Brendan Blake, and the Base WOD is Warrant Officer Dean Rhodes.

Vietnam veteran Glenn Rogan of 3RAR 3rd Battalion Australian Army (retired) will talk about his experience in Vietnam.

Warrant Officer Bernie Edmonds will lay a tribute on behalf of Medowie RSL with twelve Tilligerry RSL members travelling over to join the event.

Medowie RSL sub-Branch President Bill Taylor is Master of Ceremonies.

Tragically, 523 Australians lost their lives in the war and over 3,000 were wounded.

“We invite the community to join us in making this day memorable and supporting our veterans and Australian Defence Force personnel,” Mr Edmonds added.

By Chris KARAS