Wimmera Vietnam War commemorations: soldiers honoured at grave-site vigils

Thirty-five simultaneous grave-site services across the state at noon formed part of commemorations for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

Ninety-eight Victorians were killed in the war, Australia’s longest military battle of the 20th century.

Australian troops fought from 1962 to 1975.

Horsham Cemetery and Kaniva Cemetery hosted vigils to honour Private James Clyde McMillan and Private Norman Victor Hawker respectively.

Private Hawker was killed in 1967, and Private McMillan in 1969.

The services included soldier tributes with an ode, The Last Post and a minute’s silence.

Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Wimmera sub-branch vice-president Barry McClure led the Horsham service. 

“Today at this time, Vietnam veterans’ family and friends are gathering across the state to pay respects to those who gave their lives during the war, and who lie at rest in Victoria,” he said.

“We will ensure that James’s sacrifice is never forgotten.

“We place the national flag on his grave to signify his faithfulness, loyalty and service to his nation, and a poppy that has been hand-made to symbolise his sacrifice.

“We honour the dead and we will continue to fight for the living, just as James would have wanted us to do.”

Private McMillan’s sisters Venie Jolley, Joy Taig and Dianne Bolwell and their families gathered in Horsham for the service.

Private McMillan, a member of the 5th battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, was one of six children. 

Mrs Jolley said it was a special but sombre day.

“It would have been extra special if our mum and dad had been here for it,” she said. “James’s death is still hard to accept.

“Today is about recognising the boys who went to Vietnam and those who came home as well. 

“The ones who came back have had a very hard time because of the way they were treated.”

Ms Bolwell said the support for Vietnam veterans and their families in Horsham was appreciated.

“Here they have a really good program and look after families well,” she said.

Mrs Taig thanked everyone who attended the service.

“It is nice to think people still do remember our brother and what he did and the life he gave,” she said.

Mr McClure said the turnout for the Horsham service was exceptional. 

He said about 70 people attended, including former Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty to represent sitting member Emma Kealy.

“We remember the sacrifices our soldiers made, but we don’t want to see something like the Vietnam War happen again,” he said.

Mr McClure said it was important Australian troops continued their honourable work. 

“We have a duty to fight – we have got to help our friends,” he said. 

“No one likes war, but as long as humans are humans, we will have war.”