Thursday, 18 August 2022

Vietnam Veterans Day

Dr KIEU (South Eastern Metropolitan) (10:06): Today, 18 August, marks the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, and on this day, Vietnam Veterans Day, we reflect on, honour and pay gratitude to the brave service—

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Order! Stop the clock, please.

Ms Shing: On a point of order, President, Dr Kieu is talking about an incredibly important occasion. It is the remembrance day for Long Tan today, and perhaps he could go from the top with a bit of respect, given the subject matter.

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Order! I will bring this to the attention of all members. This is members statements now: no interjections, no debate.

Dr KIEU: President, may I have the clock restarted?

The PRESIDENT: Yes.

Dr KIEU: Thank you. Today, 18 August, marks the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, and on this day, Vietnam Veterans Day, we reflect on, honour and express our gratitude for the brave service shown on this day and to all the service men and women who served in Vietnam. Around 60 000 courageous Australians served in Vietnam, with 521 soldiers making the ultimate sacrifice and over 3000 being wounded. I was a Vietnamese refugee, and both of my parents served in the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam. In particular my mother volunteered and served for 16 years of the 20-year war.

The Vietnam War is now entrenched in our Australian history, and we must preserve and learn the details of the events and pass on the knowledge to the next generation to ensure that the determination, spirit and sacrifice of our veterans are honoured and never forgotten. I am proud to see the flag of the former Republic of Vietnam on the Vietnam War medal. The flag has now transformed into a heritage symbol for the Vietnamese-Australian community of which I am so grateful to be a part. I extend our deepest gratitude and forever indebtedness to the sacrifice of the Australian Defence Force in the Vietnam War.