Side by side

By Nicole Williams
THE South Vietnamese and Australian veteran communities gathered on Monday for the first Anzac Day memorial service at the Vietnam War Memorial of Victoria.
The ‘Side by Side’ memorial in front of the Dandenong RSL was host to about 100 people to commemorate those lost in the Vietnam War.
RSL member John Wells said the name of the memorial was reflective of the war and the commemorative service.
“Today, we celebrate side-by-side,” Mr Wells said.
Dandenong RSL president Alan Harper agreed and said he was proud to be sharing Anzac Day with people of other cultures.
“We were together in a long, long war in Vietnam and today we’re together again,” Mr Harper said.
Each country’s national anthem was played and a minute’s silence was held for the soldiers lost in the Vietnam War.
Vietnamese Community of Australia Victoria division president Bon Nguyen spoke passionately of the significant of the day and the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War.
“Thank you to the men and women in uniform who defended the freedom of Australia,” Mr Nguyen said.
“We remember and acknowledge the freedom fighters and their families for their sacrifices.”
Vietnam War Memorial president John Filmer could not attend the historic service due to illness but said it was the soldiers’ sacrifices that made Australia what it is.
“That is why this country is free and we have the money to look after the aged, disabled and sick,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Mr Filmer, Mr Wells honoured the traditional owners of the land and those who fought for it.
“Thank you all for being here and showing respect to the war memorial.”
Vietnam Community of Australia president Alan Harper and John Wells offered incense to the memorial and laid wreaths.
The public was then invited to offer incense and lay flowers in memory of those fallen.
Mr Wells said it is hoped the memorial service will continue each year and become a traditional part of Dandenong’s Anzac Day services.
For more pictures turn to page 6.