The School of Armour catafalque party stood below the Huey helicopter at the Vietnam Veterans Walk on High St, Seymour.
Photo by
Billie Davern
In the early 1970s, soldiers returning from the Vietnam War were far from celebrated, but today, local veterans are well and truly honoured in Seymour.
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Monday, August 18, marked Vietnam Veterans’ Day, a national observance occurring on the anniversary of the 1966 Battle of Long Tan.
At the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk on High St, veterans were remembered, respected and recognised by a significant crowd spreading below the tall Huey helicopter.
Local Vietnam veteran John Blackwell read the ode during the ceremony.
Photo by
Billie Davern
Leading the ceremony was Seymour College, the students of which spent weeks organising the day.
Defence student Max Chetcuti spoke about the history of the war and the soldiers’ reception as they returned.
“There were no parades, no cheering crowds. In fact, many veterans were ignored, mistreated and left to deal with the trauma alone,” he said.
“It wasn’t until 1987, 15 years later, that Australia held a proper welcome home parade to publicly acknowledge their sacrifices.
“To those who served, thank you. You were brave, you were loyal and you are seen. Lest we forget.”
Vietnam veteran and Seymour resident Hank Kreemers laid a wreath on the monument.
Photo by
Billie Davern
The School of Armour catafalque party marched in shortly after the crowd was welcomed by the college’s defence captain, Dylan Frost.
“Our town has become a place of reflection for the whole nation,” Dylan said.
“Every name etched into that glass wall is a story, a person who gave a part of their life for all of us. It is our responsibility to carry that forward.
“To those who never made it home, and to those who did, but still carry the scars of the war inside of them, we honour you today and always.
It was a bright and sunny winter’s day of remembrance.
Photo by
Billie Davern
“This ceremony is more than a tradition, it is a promise from our generation to yours: that we will not forget, that we will continue to tell future generations the truth about your service, that the students of Seymour College will continue to honour your legacy.”
The school was celebrated for the students’ words, with Vietnam Veterans Association Mitchell branch president John Phoenix saying “without you, this couldn’t have been done today”.
Puckapunyal Primary School captains Mia and Evie carried a wreath together on behalf of the school.
Photo by
Billie Davern
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall also addressed attendees, speaking about the significance of holding the ceremony at the famed monument.
“It’s an honour to stand here with you today, at the Vietnam Veterans Walk here in Seymour, underneath the helicopter, which watches over this special place of remembrance,” Cr Dougall said.
“It’s a powerful symbol. It’s a symbol of service and of sacrifice and, also, an enduring legacy for those who gave so much.”
Vietnam Veterans Association Mitchell branch president John Phoenix said he was grateful to Seymour College defence captain Dylan Frost and defence student Max Chetcuti for leading the ceremony.
Photo by
Billie Davern
The community came together for a moment of silence.
Photo by
Billie Davern
The catafalque party was watched by onlookers.
Photo by
Billie Davern
The crowd flocked to the glass panels to watch John Phoenix lay a wreath.
Photo by
Billie Davern
Wreaths sit at the base of the monument.
Photo by
Billie Davern
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