Tony Zappia (Makin, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Sunday 18 August, I will again be attending the annual Vietnam Veterans' Day commemoration service at Henderson Square in the Montague Farm Estate in Pooraka. The Montague Farm Estate has been dedicated to all Australians who served in the Vietnam War.

For the families of the 521 Australians killed—58 of whom were from South Australia—and the more than 60,000 who served, the Vietnam experience was life-changing. Amongst those who served in Vietnam, around 19,000 had been conscripted, of whom over 200 lost their lives. Over the years I've met with numerous Vietnam War veterans, attended their events, listened to their stories and all too often heard of their lifelong struggles after their war experience.

The Vietnam Veterans' Day service at Montague Farm and other commemorations held around the country are a reminder of the horrific war that our soldiers served in, the sacrifices and hardships they endured, the ongoing physical and emotional toll that many were left with and the demoralising lack of recognition they endured on their return home after having dutifully served their country.

This Sunday is an opportunity for all of us to remember the lives lost, acknowledge the ongoing struggles of so many and to say thank you to the Australians who served in Vietnam.