1 minute read

Maleny District Sport & Recreation Club Community Newsletter

Maleny RSL to commemorate 50 years since cessation of hostilities in Vietnam

To help stem the spread of communism in Asia Australia commits its first soldiers to the conflict in Vietnam in . Our Vietnam War had begun Australia committed with 30 highly skilled military advisors - The Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV)) to work alongside the South Vietnamese.

The AATTV involvement was increased to 73 in September 1964, and then to 112 in June 1965. Its strength peaked in 1970 when 217 advisors were in place. From early 1971, as part of Australia's decision to reduce its commitment to the war, the size of the Team was gradually reduced before it was fully withdrawn in December 1972.

Australia's participation in the war was formally declared at an end when the Governor-General issued a proclamation on the 11th January 1973. The only combat troops remaining in Vietnam were a platoon guarding the Australian embassy in Saigon, which was withdrawn in June 1973. During that period almost 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam. 15,381 National Servicemen served in Vietnam. Of all the Australian servicemen serving a total of 521 died in the war. https://issuu.com/Maleny-Grapevine-Community-News

2023 is, in many ways, the Year of the Vietnam Veteran. As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War (1962-1973) it is time to honour the lives of these extraordinary servicemen and women – their service, their sacri they have created; the contributions they have made to Australia, and the dignity with which they have carried forward the ANZAC Spirit. Also on Friday 18 August 2023 the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will deliver a televised service to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial on Anzac Parade,Canberra.

The Maleny RSL is commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the cessation of hostilities in Vietnam with a special service on the 18th August at the RSL commencing at 1100.

Lest we forget!

This article is from: