Students’ tribute to Vietnam troops

An address on the participation and sacrifices made by Australian service personnel in the Vietnam War was presented by St Francis Xavier’s prefect Bailey Holland and captain Camilla Lampe.

Today marks a very special occasion – the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

As a 12-year-old student, I stand before you to share my thoughts and understanding of this significant event in history.

Let’s first understand why Australia became involved in the Vietnam War. Our nation’s alliance with the United States through the ANZUS treaty and our shared commitment to containing communism during the Cold War were pivotal factors. This commitment led to the deployment of our troops to Vietnam, beginning with the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, in 1965.

These brave men and women played an integral role in various military operations alongside American, South Vietnamese, and other allied forces. From dense jungles to urban battlegrounds, Australian soldiers demonstrated their versatility and adaptability in performing combat, medical, engineering, and logistic roles.

Notably, the Battle of Long Tan remains etched in history as one of the most renowned battles involving Australian forces during the war.

However, as with any conflict, our service personnel bore heavy sacrifices.

The toll exacted by the war was profound, resulting in the loss of 521 Australian soldiers and leaving many more wounded, both physically and mentally.

The scars, both seen and unseen, had a profound impact on our veterans and their families, highlighting the true cost of defending our values and freedom.

Yet, the story doesn’t end there. The Vietnam War had a lasting impact on our society, triggering debates and divisions within our nation.

Protests and demonstrations against the war were common, sparking the anti-war movement that gained momentum as the conflict continued. The experiences of our veterans challenged us to think critically about our nation’s involvement in overseas conflicts and our role in the global community.

One of the most important things I’ve learned about the Vietnam War is the importance of understanding why wars happen in the first place. It’s crucial to learn from history and strive for peaceful solutions to conflicts. Wars bring great suffering and pain to people, and innocent lives are often caught in the crossfire.

As a young student, I feel a great responsibility to honour the memory of these Australian heroes.

We can do this by learning about their stories, their struggles, and their achievements.

We can also support organisations that provide assistance to veterans and their families, showing them that their sacrifices are not forgotten.

Let us also remember that war is not the solution to conflicts.

Instead, let’s focus on promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation between nations.

Our veterans have shown us the importance of standing up for what we believe in and protecting those in need.

We can continue their legacy by advocating for peace and helping others in our community.

In conclusion, let us remember the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War as a time to acknowledge the sacrifices of our Australian service personnel and their enduring impact on our nation’s history.

May we never forget the courage and dedication of our veterans, and may we always honour their memory and strive for a world where peace and compassion prevail.