23 Aug 2018
On Saturday August 18, staff and students from Vincentia High School paid their respects at local Vietnam Veterans Day commemorative services. Principal Ken Bates attended the Huskisson service, as well as Erin Steele (School Captain) and Jeremy Head (Vice Captain) who read the Prologue and laid a wreath. Stewart Birkmyre was also involved in this afternoon service.
The Vietnam War was the longest twentieth century conflict in which Australians participated. Approximately 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War, of which 501 were killed and 3,100 wounded. August 18 was originally known as Long Tan Day; a day to commemorate the 108 men of D Company 6RAR who held off 2000 enemy soldiers during the Battle of Long Tan in 1966. Eighteen Australians lost their lives that day and twenty four were wounded.
Mrs Copeland (Defence Transition Mentor) and Oliver Griffiths represented our school at Sussex Inlet RSL Sub-Branch's Combined Commemorative Service which commemorated National Servicemen's Day, Victory in the Pacific, the Korean War Ceasefire and Vietnam Veterans Day.
Our students felt very honoured to participate in these special services and to acknowledge the sacrifices of everyday Australians who served in these conflicts.