In an unprecedented gesture of support and mateship for their American ‘brothers-in-arms’, the Riverland Vietnam Veterans will join with the United States in commemorating US National Vietnam Veterans Day, on Saturday 29 March, at 11am.

Riverland Vietnam veterans will gather to lower the Australian flag to half mast, at the Vietnam Veterans and Post WWII War Memorial, on Riverview Drive, in Berri.

This event will coincide with numerous commemorations taking place on that same day throughout many cities, towns and local communities of the 50 states, and many territories of the United States to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

The Riverland event, already dubbed the ‘Brothers-in-Arms Commemoration’, brings together all veterans and their families, united in recognising the service and sacrifice of our servicemen and servicewomen, while welcoming all interested members of the public to attend.

This event will be significant for a number of reasons:

• This recognition by Riverland Vietnam Veterans of the Commemorations Day in the United States is believed to be the first ‘brothers-in-arms’ initiative of its kind.
• Riverland Vietnam Veterans is a Commemorative Partner of the US Vietnam War Commemoration, one of only three partner organisations in Australia and the only one to host a major commemoration ceremony.
• The event marks the close of the 50th anniversary commemorations for the end of America’s (and Australia’s) involvement in the Vietnam War.
• It is an opportunity for American ex-military service personnel now living in Australia to participate in the US National Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration.
• Representatives of the American Ex-Serviceman’s Association, headquartered in Melbourne, will attend and speak at the commemoration.

For one Riverland Vietnam veteran, the US National Commemoration Day carries special meaning. David Langdon served in Vietnam as an American combat military policeman during 1968 to 1969, and is now a resident of the Riverland, and member of its Vietnam Veterans Association.

Mr Langdon hopes this year’s observance of the United States’ 50th Anniversary Vietnam Veterans Commemoration in the Riverland will bring together veterans, families and allies from the two countries in remembrance, unity and brotherhood.

This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 26 February 2025.