Driving sleet and rain were no match for a crowd which marked Vietnam Veterans Day in Robertson Park.
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Friday marked 51 years since the Battle of Long Tan during the Vietnam War.
James Sheahan Catholic High School student Hannah White delivered the address, taking inspiration from her grandfather Tony, a Vietnam veteran.
“It was my first time public speaking, it was challenge to speak about the war,” Miss White said.
“It’s not as well attended as Anzac Day or Remembrance Day, but it’s just as important to remember those who served and those who died.”
Mr Wright said he was proud of his granddaughter’s address.
He said the commemoration of Vietnam veterans service had changed over the years.
“People have a bit more understanding of what it was all about. It’s part of Australia’s history,” he said.
Veteran Ken Vote said the day was important for Vietnam veterans.
“It’s more important for the way they were treated when they returned to the country,” Mr Vote said.
“The treatment by political campaigners, while the moratorium marches were happening, young Diggers were being killed in Vietnam doing what they had been asked to do.”
Orange’s RSL sub-branch president Lindsay Wright said there had been a great turnout despite the terrible weather.
Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
