AHEAD of the official Vietnam Veterans Day on Friday 18 August, the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia\u2019s Ballarat and District Sub-Branch hosted their annual march and service.<\/p>\n
The formalities took place last Sunday 13 August at the memorial on Sturt and Dawson streets, with the attendance of 100 to 125 people.<\/p>\n
VVAA Ballarat secretary Gordon Hunt said it ran exceptionally well.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe weather was fortunate, and the crowd for that type of service was good,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important that the veterans are remembered, sacrificing a lot in the short-term and the long-term. They appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The march began at Lyons Street North and was led by VVAA Sub-Branch president Sandy McCann.<\/p>\n
Reg Mowat was the service\u2019s master of ceremonies, and other speakers included City of Ballarat deputy-mayor, Cr Amy Johnson, the Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, Chaplain John Furness, and Mr McCann, who read The Ode.<\/p>\n
The 300 Army and Phoenix College cadet units made up the catafalque and flag parties, and student Sam Haley recited a poem, The 500 not returned, by Vietnam veteran Len Curd.<\/p>\n
\u201cGetting the young people involved is important,\u201d Mr Hunt said. \u201cThey\u2019re chosen to take part, and they need these opportunities. They quite enjoy doing it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had a good roll-up from both 300 and Phoenix cadets, and we\u2019ll encourage them where we can.\u201d<\/p>\n
Representatives of ex-military groups, Victoria Police, community groups, and politicians laid wreaths, and Ballarat City Brass Band\u2019s Troy Cheesman played The Last Post and The Rouse.<\/p>\n
Veterans, families, and friends went to The Golf House Hotel for refreshments afterwards.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AHEAD of the official Vietnam Veterans Day on Friday 18 August, the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia\u2019s Ballarat and District Sub-Branch hosted their annual march and service. The formalities took place last Sunday 13 August at the memorial on Sturt and Dawson streets, with the attendance of 100 to 125 people. VVAA Ballarat secretary Gordon […]<\/p>\n