Vietnam veterans, their friends, relatives and community members observed Vietnam Veterans Day across the Bundaberg Region.
A group of about 25 ex-servicemen paused to remember their comrades on Vietnam Veterans Day at Camp Gregory Veterans Retreat near Woodgate.
The retreat, purpose built for veterans and their families and located on the banks of the Gregory River, was an idyllic setting for the brief ceremony conducted by Brian “Simo” Simpson.
The assembled group paraded in three rows in front of a simple yet deeply meaningful memorial to be reminded of the importance of the anniversary.
Roger Dwyer, the owner of the property on which the retreat has been established, said it was well-recognised that many former service personnel suffered from a variety of illnesses directly related to their service experiences.
“I am deeply proud at what we have been able to achieve here at Camp Gregory where veterans can meet and share the company of fellow veterans,” he said.
“This is a place that deserves to be replicated across the nation as it undoubtedly provides an environment where stress is relieved, and pain soothed.”
Roger said Camp Gregory has been developed to address the needs of service personnel who have been unable to unburden their experiences.
“They can come here, stay, and enjoy the things that are close to them be that their family or their pet dogs,” he said.
On 18 August, we commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966. We remember the sacrifices of those who died and say thank you to almost 60,000 Australians who served during the 10 years of our involvement in the Vietnam War.
In Bundaberg, the Vietnam Veterans Association held a memorial service at the Defence Veterans Drop-in Centre, attended by guests including Mayor Jack Dempsey.
- Other news: Italian couple’s belated Anzac Day tribute to Hinkler
