Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Service a chance for community to pay their respects on Sunday

Community members will have the chance to pause and pay their respects to those involved in the Vietnam War on Sunday at the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Service.

The annual service run by the Albany RSL sub-branch will take place at the South East Asia memorial within the Princess Royal Fortress precinct.

“This service is an opportunity for us all to express our gratitude for the commitment, hardships and sacrifices made by over 60,000 Australian servicemen during the Vietnam War over 10 long years,” sub-branch president Helen Tasker said.

The service will take place two days after Vietnam Veterans Day on Friday, as the Albany sub-branch commits to holding its service on the weekend each year in order to give the community a chance to pay respect on a non-work day.

The keynote speaker at the service will be Major Mike Murphy (retired) and Rev Canon Karen Cave will lead the service in prayer.

Three of the 523 Australian casualties of the war are buried in Albany and they will each receive regimental service tributes.

This weekend’s service also marks the 57th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan and comes two weeks after graveside vigils across the country marked 60 years since Australian army representatives arrived in South Vietnam.

The service will take place from 2pm on August 20.