The Federal Member for Hinkler David Batt has attended a commemoration service for Vietnam Veterans Day hosted by the Isis RSL Sub Branch in Childers.
Mr Batt laid a wreath and paid tribute to Veterans and their families.
“We acknowledge your service, dedication and the sacrifices you have made. You are the ones who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today,” Mr Batt said.
“I am proud to represent a region with such a rich history of standing up and fighting for Australia. Childers has always had a story to tell across all conflicts.
So many men and women from this area have served with pride and while the trauma is very real and the pain lives with us forever, it is in moments of commemoration we can come together to pause and reflect on the many lives lost and the life changing sacrifices made.”
The Childers service honoured the role and contribution that nurses made in the Vietnam War.
“The service of female nurses in the conflict is largely forgotten.” Said Mr Batt.
“This is despite their significant contribution to the war effort.
They saved thousands of lives from both sides, routinely working twelve-hour shifts, six days a week, despite earning only two-thirds of what the equivalent male officer earned.”
Overall, more than 200 Australian civilian nurses, over 100 Royal Australian Air Force and 43 nurses from the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps all served in the Vietnam War.
Mr Batt sadly, just like their combat-facing male counterparts, nurses faced the same ‘cool or even openly hostile reception’ due to widespread condemnation of the war.
“Thank you to the Isis RSL Sub Branch for hosting today’s special commemoration and ensuring that all who served in Vietnam are remembered, now and forever.”
Read more about Vietnam Veterans Day.