2023 marks 61 years since the arrival of the Australian Army Training team in South Vietnam on the 3 August 1962 and 51 years since the withdrawal of combat troops in 1972.
During the Vietnam War 523 Australians gave their life for their country.
On 3 August at 1100 hours the Warwick and district Vietnam Veterans will honour Lionel James Baxter at the Warwick Cemetery in a Service of Remembrance.
The Warwick RSL Sub-Branch President, Mr John Skinner, a Vietnam veteran, will lead the commemoration to Mr Baxter.
From the Roll of Honour – Australian War Memorial – 1200128
Private Lionel James Baxter from Allora and born in St George.
Served in 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. Baxter aged 28 years was killed in action in South Vietnam on 15th March 1966. His gun jammed during the fire-fight. Buried Warwick (RSL) Cemetery QLD.
There will be another 522 services at the same time across the nation and overseas as will be held for Mr Baxter in Warwick.
Everyone has the opportunity to participate in a meaningful way in recognising the national loss and paying their respects to those who were Killed in Action and showing solidarity with their loved ones for their loss as the remaining local Vietnam veterans will show for their lost comrade, Mr Lionel James Baxter.
The Australian Government intends to mark the occasion with a Commemorative Service, televised nationally by the ABC on the 18 August 2023 from the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra. Many Vietnam Veterans and the Next of Kin of those Killed in Action are too old or frail to attend this ceremony. Therefore, the Vietnam Veterans Vigil will provide surviving Vietnam Veterans and the Australian people the opportunity to participate in a meaningful way right across the nation and overseas in recognizing the national loss and paying their respects to those who were Killed in Action and showing solidarity with their loved ones for their loss.
For more details visit www.vvv.org.au
This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 26 July 2023.
