Benalla RSL hosted a service at the cenotaph on Sunday, August 18 to honour the men and women who served Australia in Vietnam.
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Members of the public joined local scouts, RSL members and local councillors to remember those who never made it home, and honour all who served during that conflict.
Benalla RSL president Paul Hartland said he was pleased with the turnout.
“It went well,” Mr Hartland said.
“The sun was out, and there were a few more people here than I expected.
“Compared to World War I and World War II, I think the Vietnam War is still fresh in many people’s minds.
“And having the plaque on the cenotaph with Pt Lindsay Brown’s name brings it home to Benalla.”
Lindsay Brown was the first, and as it transpired only, Benalla man to be killed on active service during the Vietnam War.
“Lindsay was killed during the Battle of Coral — Balmoral and was only 22,” Mr Hartland said.
“I was pleased to see the Scouts and some young families here today.
“I think, anything like this, young kids should know about the sacrifices previous generations made for them.”
Mr Hartland said part of his motivation for honouring Vietnam veterans was the treatment they received when they came home.
“They didn’t get the fanfare previous veterans got, and in many cases people were openly hostile to them,” he said.
Benalla Mayor Danny Claridge laid a wreath at the service.
“Days like today are extremely important,” Cr Claridge said.
“I didn’t go, but I was one of those people, in the draw to go, and I missed out.
“Which was a blessing, I found out since.
“But a lot of my mates went. It wasn’t a good place. It wasn’t a good time.
“And it sure wasn’t nice to come back to Australia, the way many were treated.
“It’s really great now that we can be celebrating them.”
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