Vietnam Veterans to march reunited

This year’s Anzac Day parade will hold special significance for former Albany man Richard Norman and his fellow Vietnam veterans as they come together for a 50-year reunion.

Mr Norman left Albany in 1962 to join the Australian Army, and served with the 1st Australian Logistics Support Group during the Vietnam War.

The unit was based in Vung Tau, in South Vietnam, from April, 1966, and provided logistical support until it was disbanded in 1972.

Mr Norman and Gregor McAlister will be among about 40 former members of one of the support units, Headquarter Company 1ALSG, marching along York Street on Monday.

They believe HQ Company 1ALSG will be the first unit of Vietnam veterans to march as a group in Albany.

They will carry two flags which have been restored since they were last flown in Vung Tau in 1972.

Mr Norman said it would be a special experience, and the reunion had been two years in the making.

Mr McAlister said he was looking forward to sharing a sense of camaraderie.

“There’s something special about marching in Albany,” he said.

About 85 people have travelled from across Australia to attend the reunion, which starts with a civic reception by the City of Albany on Saturday, and wraps up on Tuesday.