The enduring legacy of veterans of the Vietnam War will be honoured at a commemorative march and service in Knox City Council in Victoria this Sunday.
The event, which will mark 50 years since the Battle of Long Tan, is being organised by the Outer Eastern Melbourne Vietnam Veterans Association (OEMVVA) in conjunction with the Yarra Valley Vietnam Veteran’s Group.
This year’s event will be held at the Knox War Memorial – Tim Neville Arboretum.
Knox City Council Mayor, Tony Holland, said the municipality was honoured to host this year’s commemorative march and service.
“As a community and as a country, we are indebted to the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam veterans.
“Theirs was a contribution not always well understood or appreciated, however today we stand in reverence of their sacrifice.
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan and the decisive contribution of Australian soldiers on that occasion.
“They did us proud then and they do us proud now. May we always honour and preserve their memory.”
The march of around 100 veterans led by the Ringwood Pipe Band will begin at 10.45am from the Francis Crescent car park at the Tim Neville Arboretum and will progress along Dorset Road to the Knox War Memorial, where the service will begin at 11am.
Community members are welcome and encouraged to attend. At the conclusion of the service, the Vietnam veterans will host a sausage sizzle for all participants and attendees.
