Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has paid tribute to the local veteran community during a commemorative service in Sale to recognise Vietnam Veterans Day.
Mr Chester, who is also the Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel congratulated the Sale RSL for hosting the event which was attended by more than 50 veterans, current serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families.
“Some Veterans did not receive the welcome home that they deserved after the Vietnam War,” Mr Chester said.
“It had become a controversial war which was not supported by all segments of the community and our veterans were not given the respect they had earned when they returned.
“But today, Australians are proud of the country’s Vietnam veterans and honour them for their service.
“To all who have served, of continue to serve in the ADF today, and the families that support them, I simply say ‘thank you for your service’.”
A total of 521 Australians were killed in the Vietnam War with 3000 wounded.
