General News
25 August, 2023
Horsham pays tribute to Vietnam vets
Local veterans and community members attended the commemorative services of Vietnam Veterans Day on Friday at the Horsham War Memorial. The commemoration in Horsham to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the...
Local veterans and community members attended the commemorative services of Vietnam Veterans Day on Friday at the Horsham War Memorial.
The commemoration in Horsham to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the conflict drew about 50 people, including 25 local Vietnam veterans.
During the ceremony, Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Wimmera sub-branch president Colin Hill, Horsham Rural City Council councillor Les Power and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church pastor and chaplain Hans Peethala paid tribute to the sacrifices of soldiers.
Mr Hill spoke about two local soldiers, James McMillan of Horsham and Norman Hawker of Kaniva, who were killed in Vietnam during the war.
Mr McMillan’s family attended the ceremony.
More than 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1973 and were part of an American-led allied force.
Approximately 3000 Australians were injured during that conflict and 521 Australians lost their lives.
Mr Hill said he was delighted with the community participation on the day.
“The attendance at the ceremony was excellent," he said.
"I’m very pleased and appreciative.
“That’s the most important day of the year for me.
“Every year on August 18 we honour our veterans of Vietnam.
"It brings out all the community to commemorate.”
According to Mr Hill, Horsham always supports veterans.
“I must admit that we are well supported in Horsham through RSL and they address any issues we have,” he said.
“We marched on Anzac Day, and we held the commemorative ceremony on Veterans Day; we always get marvellous support from the community.”
After the ceremony at Sawyer Park, veterans went to Horsham RSL for lunch.