Cobram and District War Memorial was the site of a small but poignant ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
The ceremony, held on Friday, August 18, was attended by members of the RSL, students, Moira Shire Council members, as well as members of the emergency services.
Cobram Anglican Grammar School Year 12 captain Emily Orsida emceed the event while fellow captain Cadence Pang read out the poem A Soldier’s Message.
Cobram Secondary College student Kail Turner read out the poem Battle of Long Tan by Mal Lyons while his fellow students Cameron Sneddon and Madison Knight acted as flag bearers.
As is traditional, the ceremony involved the laying of wreaths by members of the public.
St Joseph’s Primary School captains Ben Padman and Ada Kennedy joined CSC student Giaan Hocking and CAGS’s Cadence Pang in laying a wreath.
Amanda Chadwick laid a wreath on behalf of council.
Vietnam War veteran Rob Brown read out the Ode of Remembrance while Father John Corcoran led the ceremony in prayer.
A fly-by was conducted at the end of the ceremony by helicopters from the Murray Border Flying Club.
After the ceremony Mr Brown thanked all the participants who took part and the schools for coming along and helping run the ceremony.
In a statement, council panel of administrators chair John Tanner said the sacrifices of those who served should never be forgotten.
“This momentous occasion serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the indomitable spirit demonstrated by the servicemen and women involved, particularly those from the shire who were directly affected by the conflict,” Mr Tanner said.
“We pay tribute to the soldiers and veterans who selflessly served our country and demonstrated unwavering courage and dedication in the face of adversity.”
Speaking after the ceremony, Emily said it was an honour to emcee the event and said such ceremonies made her think of the sacrifices made by the servicemen and women.
“We should be just remembering that and acknowledging that,” she said.
The Vietnam War lasted from 1955 to 1975 with Australian troops being involved between 1962 and 1973.
Australia’s involvement in the war was divisive at the time, with more than 60,000 Australians serving and 523 dying and almost 2400 being wounded.