Riverland Vietnam War veterans move to link arms with American Vietnam veterans in commemoration of 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War
Australia-America Brothers-in-Arms Commemoration Organising Committee, Riverland Vietnam Veterans (SA) Association, March 2025
In an unprecedented gesture of support and mateship for their American “Brothers-in-Arms”, the Riverland Vietnam Veterans in South Australia will join with the United States in commemorating the US National Vietnam Veterans Day on Saturday, 29 March 2025 at 1100am.
On that day, Riverland Vietnam Vets will gather to lower the Australian flag to half-mast at the Vietnam Veterans and Post WW2 War Memorial, Riverview Drive, 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.
The commemoration in the Riverland will also mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the fall of South Vietnam on 30 April 1975 to the communist forces of North Vietnam following the signing of the Paris Peace Accords and subsequent withdrawal of the American and Australian allied forces.
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 Commemoration Day in the United States is believed to be the first “brothers-in-arms” initiative of its kind.
- 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-Servicemen’s Association, headquartered in Melbourne, will attend and speak at the commemoration.
- Representatives of the Vietnamese Community in Australia (SA, Inc) and of the Vietnamese Veterans Association will also participate in the Riverland commemoration in advance of their own commemoration in Adelaide of the Fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War 30 April 1975, 50 years ago.
Australian and American Veterans – Brotherhood and Solidarity
Many of the Australian veterans living in the Riverland organisation recall experiences during the war when they were supported or worked alongside American service men and women, at times in critical situations where lives were in danger. Some even joined with US forces in one capacity or another during difficult and dangerous operations in the war zone. The “mateship” that formed with their American “buddies” is still remembered.
For one Riverland Vietnam Veteran, the US National Commemoration Day and 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War carries special meaning. David Langdon is a former Scottsdale, Arizona native who served 15 months in Vietnam as an American combat military policeman during 1968-1969. Rising to the rank of sergeant, he served with the 720th Military Police Bn at Long Binh Army Base which operated ambush and reconnaissance missions to protect the huge logistics installation from regular attacks by Viet Cong insurgents. At the end of his extended tour of duty and U.S. Army Reserve obligation, David emigrated to Australia and eventually took up teaching at universities in Adelaide where he still works part-time.
David has worked closely in organising this commemoration with his counterparts in the American Ex-Servicemen’s Association (based in Melbourne) as a three-way partnership including the US-based 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemoration organisation. He said he hopes this year’s joint Australia-America observance of the United States National Vietnam Veterans Day in the Riverland will bring together veterans, families, and allies from the two countries in remembrance, unity, and brotherhood.
Australia-America and South Vietnam:
Strong Allies in the Vietnam War
The US and Australia, together with New Zealand, were the key ANZUS Treaty (1951) allies supporting the South Vietnam government and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam in defence against aggression from communist North Vietnam and the Viet Cong insurgency. In addition to Australian and New Zealand allied support, a little-known aspect of the Vietnam War was the contribution of many thousands of volunteer combat troops and humanitarian personnel from other Asian countries, including South Korea (320,000), Thailand (40,000), and the Philippines (10,000), which supported the US in defending South Vietnam.
Moreover, the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) is largely neglected in accounts of the war, yet they carried the brunt of the battle in many cases and took the greatest losses, estimated at around 200,000 killed in action, including the ultimate defeat and loss of their nation after the withdrawal of allied forces. In this 50th anniversary year, it should be remembered that American and Australian soldiers fought and sacrificed alongside RVN soldiers for a democratic South Vietnam that aspired to and was fighting to defend the values of freedom we also hold dear. Hence, commemoration of the end of the Vietnam War is as meaningful to Vietnamese people of the former Republic of Vietnam, and their descendants, as to any of the allied nations that sought to contain the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.
Another neglected aspect of the Vietnam War is that, although American military service women did not engage directly in combat during the conflict, over 11,000 U.S. Navy, Army, and Air Force women were stationed in Vietnam. The majority were Army Corps volunteer nurses who treated mass casualties of allied soldiers or, in some instances, wounded enemy soldiers. They were there as early as 1956 serving as advisors in the training of Vietnamese nurses. Many of these American service women worked aboard hospital ships in the Gulf of Tonkin where evacuated casualties were often sent, while others cared for the wounded in the midst of the theatre of battle.
Nurses in the Vietnam War worked long hours in difficult and often dangerous situations. At the National Vietnam War Memorial “The Wall” in Washington, D.C., the names of eight women nurses who died in Vietnam are etched into the polished granite surface next to over 58,000 of their fallen brothers. Each nurse died serving their cause of unwavering dedication and compassion, and several were awarded posthumous decorations for their devotion to service and saving lives during wartime.
Australia’s Vietnam Veterans Day – 18 August
Australia’s own national Vietnam Veterans Day is commemorated each year on 18 August on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan (1966) to honour the sacrifices of 60,000 Australians who served in Vietnam from 1962 to 1973 – especially the 521 who lost their lives, over 3000 who were wounded, and those who have continued to struggle with their health and wellbeing as a result of their service. The hardships and sacrifices of the widows and families of Vietnam Veterans and indeed all veterans are also remembered on this day in commemorations across the country.
The importance of present-day commemorations of the Vietnam War is underscored by the lack of recognition of Vietnam veterans that has often occurred in the past, as stated recently by Australia’s Prime Minister:
“Let us say to every one of our Vietnam veterans: We honour you. We thank you. And we are so sorry it took us so long as a nation to do so.”
Hon Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister,
Australian War Memorial, Canberra
Vietnam Veterans Day – 18 August 2023
Australia’s annual commemoration is mirrored in New Zealand, but until now, there has not been reciprocal or joint formal commemorations of the day arranged between Australia’s veterans and their counterparts in the US. This initiative of Riverland Veterans is believed to be the first of its kind anywhere.
A Special Riverland War Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans War Memorial in Berri is unique in Australia. It was conceived, designed, and constructed by the Riverland Vietnam Veterans organisation with the support of local government and the community. The memorial plaza with its massive etched-glass artwork, engraved brick pavers, and numerous commemorative plaques, acknowledges and honours veterans of all branches of the Australian military – Navy, Army, and Air Force – both men and women.
The memorial is not just for Vietnam Veterans, but for all who served our country in other conflicts post-WW2, including the Korean War (1950–53), the Malayan Emergency (1950–60) and Indonesian Confrontation (1963 – 66), Afghanistan and Gulf Wars (2001–2014), and Peacekeeping Missions (https://placesofpride.awm.gov.au/memorials/261781).
The courage and sacrifice of all our military service personnel in defence of Australia and of freedom worldwide deserves our recognition and appreciation. When we say, “Thank you for your service” to a veteran, the deeper meaning goes far beyond what those few simple words can express.
Vietnam Veterans Day commemorations in Australia and America also provide opportunities to educate young people, the broader community, and future generations about the importance of honouring our veterans of all wars and supporting serving members of Australia’s defence force and their families.
Join us in honouring their legacy.
