Long Tan Day Service (Vietnam Veterans Day) – 18/08/2023.
The Long Tan Day (Vietnam Veterans Day) service at our premises at 18 Leagues Club Drive, Nerang, on Friday 18th August went smoothly, aided by good weather, despite the forecast of rain. Attendance was similar to last year, with approximately 60 to 70 people, including Federal, State and Local government representatives, as well as a contingent from the Land Warfare Centre Canungra. Federal government was represented by Scott Burgess, standing in for Angie Bell MP, although Angie was able to come for a short stay just as the service was finishing. State government was represented by Meghan Scanlon MP, state minister for housing, and Local Government division 8 by Cr. Bob LaCastra.
QLD. Branch President, Peter Handy, welcomed everyone, and then Padre Gary Stone gave blessings for the service. Sub branch Secretary/Treasurer Peter Cameron read a short prologue of the Long Tan battle, followed by Sub branch President Andy Bryson reading a summary of the valuable contribution by the RAAF in the form of two Iroquois helicopters delivering much needed ammunition to the battle zone at a crucial time.
Lt. Col. Wendy Say, CO LWC Canungra, gave an appropriate address on the significance of the battle, and the service continued with wreath laying, Last Post, Ode, Rouse, NZ and Australian anthems, along with the appropriate flag raisings. After the service, all were invited to partake in an assorted sandwich luncheon (catered for by Clancy Catering Nerang), and a cool or hot drink of their choice.
As with all these events, then came time for our volunteer members to pack up the marquees and chairs and put them away in storage until the next event, which will be our Christmas party on the 6th December.
Padre Gary Stone giving service blessings.
Service attendees.
Angie Bell’s representative Scott Burgess.
Lt. Col. Wendy Say. CO LWC Canungra.
Meghan Scanlon MP, State member for Gaven and Housing Minister.
Peter Cameron, Sub Branch Sec./Treas.
Diedre, representing the Nurses.
Zeke Wuff, representing the Navy.
Don Lees, representing New Zealand.
All flags raised, representing all three services.
Angie Bell speaking with Bob Graves.
Lt. Col. Wendy Say speaking with Peter Cameron and Andy Bryson.
Attendees enjoying lunch and a chat.
All wreaths laid.