Vietnam veterans open up about emotional day

L-R: Mr Cunningham, Mr Sikorski and Mr Smith will all take part in the memorial service to be held this Sunday, August 18, which is observed across Australia each year as Vietnam Veterans' Day. Photos: VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

THIS year will be the first time Geelong & District Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia president David Sikorski will be part of the annual Vietnam service as president, but he says it will not affect his experience.

The march and memorial service will be held again at the corner of Swinburne Street and Princes Highway, North Geelong this Sunday. August 18, with dignitaries and past service personnel gathering to remember those that served in the Vietnam War.

Mr Sikorski said everyone was welcome to join the service and pay their respects.

“I’ve only been in the role for a few months, but I’ve been a part of the local branch for many years.

“I was vice-president for the past three years, just trying to help look after veterans, and this will be my 14th service that I will attend.

“The day, and the service itself, brings a lot of camaraderie, and it does an excellent job of appropriately honouring the 523 Australian soldiers that were killed in Vietnam and the hell of a lot more people who suffered following the conflict.”

Geelong & District Vietnam Veterans Association members and Vietnam Veterans David Sikorski, Frank Cunningham and Neil Smith at the Geelong Vietnam Memorial in North Geelong.

A former American citizen, Mr Sikorski did two tours of Vietnam between 1969 and 1971.

Mr Sikorski met his wife while holidaying in Australia and has lived in Australia for the past 53 years.

He has since advocated for Vietnam veterans and continues to teach the community about the sacrifices veterans made overseas.

Fellow branch members and Vietnam veterans Neil Smith and Frank Cunningham both mentioned the significance of Geelong’s Vietnam Memorial and Avenue of Honour.

Both men spent many years pushing for the construction of the site and maintaining it since it was updated in 1995 by former mayor Gerry Smith.

Mr Cunningham was deployed to Vietnam following the Battle of Long Tan to handle transport and logistics at Coral-Balmoral for 12 months between 1968 and 1969.

“This day is very important to me, I lost a couple of friends over there, but it’s great we can celebrate this day each year,” Mr Cunningham said.

“Our numbers are getting thinner, but that’s a part of growing up. Nevertheless, we’re very proud of our memorial.”

Those attending the 11am service on Sunday are asked to arrive at 10.30am. The service is expected to conclude at about 12.30pm.