Ceremony lays old ghosts of the Vietnam war

MORE than 100 people attended a function at the Cardinia Cultural Centre in Pakenham on Friday to officially express appreciation for the service provided by local veterans of the Vietnam War and to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
The celebrations were a joint initiative of the Cardinia Shire Council and Federal Government.
McMillan MP Russell Broadbent joined Cardinia mayor Bill Ronald in acknowledging the service of the veterans and expressing appreciation for their efforts.
Victorian Vietnam Veterans Association president Bob Ellworthy and Pakenham RSL president Norm Joseph also spoke of the significance of the event and responded on behalf of the veterans in attendance.
The speakers mentioned the significance of the Vietnam War and especially of the Battle of Long Tan.
On 18 August 1966 D Company of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment acquitted themselves with distinction at the battle.
This date is now the official day of remembrance for the Vietnam War.
Cr Ronald said the function was an opportunity for the council, councillors, staff and citizens to express their respect for and appreciation of the service given by the veterans.
Several speakers acknowledged the political upheaval surrounding conscription issues at that time and a groundswell of public criticism of the Vietnam War.
Cr Ronald said it was regrettable that this public opinion so badly represented itself in the reception given to some of the returning veterans.
“We cannot change history,” he said, “but I hope that this event and the growing appreciation of your service goes some way to putting right the events of back then.”
The mayor said that the evening was an opportunity for the veterans to catch up with some old friends, to make some new friends and to share memories and reminisce.