Nicolle Flint (Boothby, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

On Saturday, 12 May I attended the Vietnam Veterans' Federation 50th anniversary commemorative service for the Battles at Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral. Their service was very well attended, and honoured our Vietnam veterans who survived the terrible battles at Coral and Balmoral, as well as the 26 young men who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

I would like to acknowledge Vietnam Veterans' Federation President, Mal Thiele, Vice-President, Bob Ellis OAM, and the organising committee for their incredible efforts in putting together such a moving and impressive service. I was honoured to be invited to participate and lay a wreath on behalf of the Prime Minister. The Director of the Australian War Memorial, Dr Brendan Nelson, also attended the service and beautifully honoured our Vietnam veterans with his remarks. I also acknowledge my local resident, Peter Geelen, who was present at Coral and who arranged a commemorative Australian Mint coin and Australia Post envelope to mark the anniversary.

The Vietnam Veterans' Federation, located in my electorate of Boothby, supports the health and welfare of veterans and their families, whether by ensuring they have access to services or by providing a community and social environment to share stories and commemorate significant events. The 50th anniversary commemorative service of the Battles of Coral and Balmoral was no exception, and it was a fitting tribute to the longest and most sustained battle of the Vietnam War, lasting 20 days with 26 men killed and over 100 wounded. Lest we forget.

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