Vietnam veterans and members of the Dubbo community gathered to commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day and the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan on Thursday.
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The small but respectful crowd watched as RSL Sub-Branch president Ton Gray led the parade to the Vietnam War Memorial, where ex-servicemen stood to attention in two rows facing each other on either side of the memorial at Victoria Park.
Vietnam veteran Greg Salmon led the ceremony and said the day should be used to remember other conflicts including Coral, Balmoral and other individual conflicts where soldiers had been killed or wounded, as well as Long Tan.
Wreaths were laid before the Last Post was played and a minute of silence observed.
Mr Salmon said it was a shame more people couldn’t attend the ceremony but said veterans were getting older, making it harder to attend.
On the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, he said it was positive that Australians had finally accepted Vietnam veterans and their service to the nation.
“It has taken a very long time but I’m not cranky at anyone,” he said. “It was good they have finally accepted the late heroes of Long Tan, that was long overdue and a hard fight.
“Hopefully our generation have accepted the current digger, and I think we have, which is important because they are going through some terrible times.”
Mr Gray echoed the sentiments.
“Things have changed these days as far as men coming home. I was part of the system that was knocked back by RSL clubs, that was run by sub-branches in those days,” he said.
“Today we want to welcome all returned guys, especially youth from around this area that serviced in Afghanistan, Iraq and all around the Gulf area.”
Both men said they were disappointed for veterans who had gone over to Vietnam for the 50th anniversary commemorations, including Dubbo RSL Sub-Branch secretary Bill Greenwood, only for Vietnam to cancel the event.
Late negotiations saw veterans allowed to visit the site, 100 at a time without uniforms or medals, but Mr Gray said it was important to respect Vietnam’s wishes.
“I feel sorry for them. It’s disappointing but at least they have been allowed to go in there [to visit Long Tan]. We have to remember it is their country and they have let us go in,” he said.
