Torquay commemorates Vietnam War with touching RSL service

MORE than 30 people gathered in Torquay on Monday this week to commemorate Australian service during the Vietnam War.

The Torquay RSL hosted the Vietnam Veterans Day service in its memorial garden at The Esplanade.

The service comprised of readings by Torquay RSL president Paul Barker, vice-president Bob Tyler, Major Peter Ellis, students from St Therese Primary School, and returned serviceman Lyle Raison.

Students from St Therese Primary School read an ode.

Wreaths were laid by Mr Barker, Corangamite federal member Libby Coker, Rose Hodge, Surf Coast Shire mayor Mike Bodsworth, Cr Tony Phelps and the Torquay Bowls Club.

Vietnam Veterans Day marks the Battle of Long Tan on August 18, 1966 – Australia’s biggest battle since the Korean War – and now recognises all Australian service in Vietnam.

In the battle, 17 Australians were killed and 26 were wounded in the bloody encounter as Delta Company of the 6th Battalion fought its way out of a Viet Cong trap. The three-hour fight was waged in a rubber plantation near Saigon against as many as 1,000 enemy soldiers.

Torquay RSL vice-president Bob Tyler hosted proceedings.

“We remember those who did not return from the Vietnam conflict the receive the welcome and gratitude of their nation,” Mr Tyler said.

“May we accept the challenge that these deaths given us and may we, who strive to maintain this great tradition of remembrance, be inspired by their dedication to the cause of freedom, peace and justice.

“We think of them all and pray for them all on this day, our Vietnam Memorial Service.”