Cathy McGowan (Indi, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Today is Vietnam Veterans Day. Today we commemorate the Battle of Long Tan. In 1966, it was the largest single-unit battle fought by Australian troops in Vietnam. Today we also remember and acknowledge all Vietnam veterans and the sacrifices made by our young men and women and their families during this conflict that spanned 10 years.

Indi has a vibrant and involved veteran population. As always, the veteran community is supported by all the RSLs across Indi. Today the Beechworth RSL is holding a service at 3 pm. It will be a small service with members from the Bright RSL in attendance. Unfortunately, I cannot be there for the commemoration and to welcome the new Beechworth RSL president, Damian Batty. I also acknowledge all the great support provided by the Vietnam and Associated Veterans Club in Wodonga under the stewardship of President Jim Salmond. I thank him for his warm welcome.

It is also timely to acknowledge the Vietnam and Veterans Families Counselling Service that operates in the DVA office in Wodonga. Thank you to Lisa Clark and her team for the great and important work that they do.

In this Anzac centenary year, it is important that all of us in this House recognise the commitment veterans have made, particularly during the Vietnam conflict. Today we remember you, we acknowledge you, we honour you and we say, 'Thank you.'

See this speech in context