Forty years ago today (11 January), Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War ended with then Governor-General, Sir Paul Hasluck, proclaiming the cessation of hostilities after more than a decade of fighting.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Warren Snowdon urged all Australians to take time to remember the more than 60,000 men and women who served in Vietnam from 1962 to 1972.
“We especially remember the sacrifice of more than 500 Australians who died in Vietnam and the more than 3,000 who were wounded and many more who continued to suffer the effects of the conflict long after coming home.
“This anniversary is a timely reminder of the courage and resilience displayed by the Royal Australian Navy, the Army and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), as well as civilians, who bravely went to Vietnam in an effort to stem the communist threat in South East Asia,” he said.
Australia’s military involvement in the Vietnam War commenced in July 1962 with the dispatch of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, in a bid to assist the Government in South Vietnam.
Many Australians served under the National Service Scheme, introduced in 1964 as a way to increase the size of Australian Forces. The scheme was highly controversial among the Australian public and saw more than 15,000 National Servicemen serving in Vietnam. Of these men, some 200 lost their lives.
”It is important that we remember the Navy clearance divers, helicopter and ships’ crews who along with a number of RAAF squadrons, provided vital fire support, vessel clearance, evacuation and resupply missions as well as essential transport, medical and logistics support.
“The Vietnam War caused great social and political discontent in Australia and in other participating countries. Some soldiers returned home to hostile receptions and never fully recovered from their physical and psychological wounds.
“The Labor Government, under Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, oversaw the end of Australia’s involvement in the conflict and later that year abolished the National Service Scheme.
“Today, the Australian Government is committed to ensuring the treatment endured by many Vietnam veterans after the war never happens again, that the service and sacrifice of those who wear Australia’s uniform are not forgotten,” Mr Snowdon said.
A range of support services are available through the Australian Government including a service founded with the support of Vietnam veterans – the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS).
VVCS provides 24-hour crisis counselling and is available freecall on 1800 011 046 to veterans of all conflicts, peacekeepers, and their families.
