Veterans at action stations for welfare

By Shaun Inguanzo
NOBLE Park Vietnam veterans have helped raise $20,000 for welfare by selling badges at prominent Melbourne train stations.
Tomorrow (Friday) marks the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, regarded as the bloodiest Vietnam War battle in which Australians took part.
To acknowledge the fallen and injured, Noble Park RSL and its sub-group of Vietnam veterans are today (Thursday) at 2.30pm hosting a Battle of Long Tan ceremony.
Vietnam Veterans Group vice-president John Meehan said 18 Australians were killed during Long Tan and would be honoured with the laying of 18 white crosses and accompanying wreaths.
Last week up to 50 Noble Park Vietnam veterans helped sell special Long Tan badges at Parliament, Flagstaff, Melbourne Central and Southern Cross train stations to raise funds for veterans in poor health and in need of other welfare.
Mr Meehan said the vets last Friday raised $20,000 through badge sales and would continue collecting this Friday. He said the Noble Park Vietnam Veterans’ Group had a welfare office that would administer the funds to veterans in need across the state.
Mr Meehan said the increasing public support shown for Vietnam veterans was expected to be evident at today’s celebration, with the RSL expecting up to 300 people to attend – similar numbers to Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.
The official Battle of Long Tan anniversary tomorrow will see veterans visit the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, as they have annually, for a state ceremony.