Battle Echoes Endure Vietnam Veterans Honoured

By Hannah McNamara

Last Sunday evening, Vietnam veterans, families of veterans, and members of the public gathered at the Mackay City Cenotaph, Jubilee Park to acknowledge the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their life in Vietnam, as well as those who are still standing with us today.

Vietnam Veterans' Day is celebrated annually on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, at 5.30pm, on August 18 - this specific time and date holds significance as it is said to be when Australian forces had contact with the enemy.

This battle played a crucial part in Australia’s military history and is described as one of the most intense conflicts for those who served in the Vietnam War.

Vietnam veterans gather in solidarity to honour fallen comrades at Mackay’s Vietnam Veteran’s Day service. Photo credit: Graham Jackson, Mackay RSL Sub Branch

Mackay Reflects On The Legacy Of Vietnam Veterans Day

The sacrifice of war is a solemn reminder of the heavy price paid for peace.

Each life lost on the battlefield represents not just a fallen soldier, but a family forever changed, a future left unwritten. The weight of their sacrifice lingers in every moment of freedom we enjoy, a silent testament to their bravery and the unshakable duty they carried.

Acknowledging the sacrifice made by soldiers in Vietnam, Meecham Philpott from ABC Tropical North shared his deepest gratitude at the ceremony, as locals paid their respects to the people who laid down their life for the united, peaceful country as we know it today.

“So many Australian men from all different ethnicities…they were all there united with 190 other different ethnicities, which is the strength of Australia, it’s what makes our country great,” said Philpott.

“On behalf of 27 million Australians, to all of you that served in Vietnam, I just want to say thank you, and I want you to know that what you did has made a difference…certainly in my life, my kids’ lives and my grandchildren’s lives.”

Mr Philpott also noted the ever-growing talent that the community has seen recently in the young men and women of Mackay who are excelling at an international level.

Despite the horrific circumstances that were endured by our Vietnam soldiers, the opportunity for younger generations today has been paved, with an overwhelming thanks to those who put their life on the line so that the children and families of Australia can live a life of choice, peace and unity. In their honour, we must remember that the peace we cherish today was forged through unimaginable hardship and loss, a gift from those who gave everything for a cause greater than themselves.

In honour of our Vietnam Veterans who served;
We Will Remember Them
Lest We Forget

During a heartfelt Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony last Sunday, appreciation was shown for the peace and unity that our soldiers bravely fought to secure for Australia. Photo credit: Graham Jackson, Mackay RSL Sub Branch

Mackay RSL friends, family and spouses of 6RAR and 1st and 2nd tour at Mackay RSL Illawong Headquarters last Saturday, most of which travelled from across the country to celebrate Vietnam Veterans Day together in Mackay. Photo source: Mackay RSL Sub Brance (Facebook).