By Dominique Tassell
Members of the Warwick community gathered in Leslie Park yesterday to remember the 55th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966.
Vietnam veterans, their family and friends, and other members of the community attended the service.
Southern Downs Regional Council members were in attendance, including Mayor Vic Pennisi and CEO Dave Burges.
Councillors Ross Bartley, Marco Gliori, Cameron Gow, Cynthia McDonald, Jo McNally, and Sheryl Windle were also in attendance.
The memorial service, held at the centograph in Leslie Park, was organised by The Southern Downs Ex-Services Association (SDESA) and the Warwick RSL Sub Branch to honour the service of all Australians who served their country during peacekeeping missions and war.
Afghanistan veterans were also in everyone’s thoughts, with a prayer said for them and for those suffering during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
SDESA Secretary Barry Kelly reiterated the famous quote that “those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it”.
He stated that those in uniforms pay for the mistakes of men repeating history.
On 18 August 1966, during the Battle of Long Tan, 17 Australians were killed and a further 25 were wounded.
Each year, on the anniversary of the battle, memorials are held across the country to acknowledge and pay respects to the 60,000 Australian men and women who served their country through the Vietnam War
Local police, schools, and other members of the community laid wreaths during the service.
Warwick Central State School, Warwick East State School, and Warwick West East School students were in attendance, as well as Scots PCG College and Assumption College students.
The groups of students came forward to lay wreaths at the base of the cenograph.
