Vietnam veterans, their families and friends from around Australia, will gather in Canberra for the re-dedication of the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in October - 10 years after it was first unveiled. The Federal Government has contributed $50,000 towards the commemorative events planned for the weekend of 5-6 October. The weekend's activities will include a Dawn Service, Gun Salute, breakfast, March of Honour, Re-dedication ceremony, Reception and Ecumenical church service. In the lead-up to the weekend, the Chief of Army's Military History Conference will be held in Canberra on 3-4 October at the National Convention Centre. The conference theme is The Australian Army and the Vietnam War 1962-1972. For information about the conference, visit the VVAA's web site
www.vvaa.org.au/conference. htm.
Many Unit Associations have organised reunions in Canberra during the weekend and the Australian War Memorial will stage a special vehicle display on 5 October. More information about the re-dedication events is available on the web sites
www. vvaa.org.au/anniversary.htm and
www.vvfagranville.org.au, or through State Returned Services League [RSL] branches.
Thought some of you might be interested - however it's probably a little late to book a flight. The Australian people seem to have a different opinion toward Vietnam Vets. - at least since the 1987 'Welcome Home Parade' and the creation of the National Memorial in 1992. In any case, you might find the web sites to be of interest.