Speech, Vietnam Veterans’ Remembrance Day, Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial, Canberra
Good morning, everyone.
I am honoured to join you this morning to commemorate the Australians who served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1973.
On this ceremonial avenue, we honour their service and sacrifice of Australians.
Along its length, from the steps of the Australian War Memorial to Constitution Avenue, we stand face-to-face with our nation’s military history.
A history of service, sacrifice and dedication to duty that has shaped the nation we are and reflects the very best of us.
But it is not only here that we tell this story.
Across Australia, in our naming of streets and public places, through our memorial sculptures and traditions of commemoration, we strive to honour service and preserve the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
In the words ‘Lest we forget’ we find a reminder and a commitment.
We must always remember the generations of Australians who have answered the call to serve in defence of our nation.
Their sacrifice was made for us, to preserve our freedom and our way of life.
We remember our veterans who carry with them the scars of service in body and spirit.
We also make a commitment to the families of those who served – remembering their weeks and months of anguish, hoping and longing for the safe return of their beloved.
These commitments cannot be fulfilled in a moment or a season.
They ask of us a lifelong commitment to honour and remember every day.
In my childhood, my father served with the Royal Australian Corps of Signals in Vietnam.
While he was away, my sisters and I delighted in listening to recordings of him on a cassette tape, reading our favourite bedtime stories.
Even today, I remember the pleasure of hearing his voice during that time.
But I know now that it was my mother, like so many thousands of other women, who carried the responsibility of ensuring our family continued to thrive in happiness and safety, all the while feeling the anxiety of my father’s absence.
These memories, which I share with many children of veterans, gives a special meaning to my every act of commemoration.
On 3 October 1987, thousands of Vietnam veterans marched through the streets of Sydney for a belated ‘Welcome Home’ parade, organised by veterans, for veterans.
And, again, on 3 October 1992, Vietnam veterans gathered here, for the dedication of the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial.
A memorial conceived by veterans, for veterans.
For many Vietnam veterans, your return home was the start of a chapter of loneliness only you could comprehend.
As one of your number remembered:
“There is anguish in what you do even though it’s what your country sent you to do.”
In the decades since, Australia’s Vietnam veterans built a stalwart community of belonging.
In an abiding spirit of mateship and through acts of care and kindness.
You have found connection through shared interests …
… found purpose by giving back, here in Australia and in Vietnam …
… found solace by listening to each other with open hearts and understanding.
The myriad of organisations and networks established by Vietnam veterans criss-crosses the country and embraces veterans, their families and communities.
They stand as a testament to your service and a tribute to those who gave their lives to safeguard our peace.
In service, as veterans, you have upheld the greatest of Australian values and demonstrated the best of our nation.
Australia honours you and is proud of you.
We are grateful for your service and observant of your courage and selflessness.
Paul Tapp served in Vietnam in 1967 in the 1st Australian Reinforcement Unit and 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.
Later, he described a solitary night standing sentinel when he came to understand that his duty was “more precious than my fear.”
In that moment, Paul expressed the essence of service and courage, selflessness and honour, shared by those who have served in defence of our nation.
To all Vietnam Veterans and your families, on this day and at this memorial, on behalf of the Australian people, thank you for your devotion to duty, to your nation and to each other.
Lest We Forget.