August 19, 2024
Residents gathered at memorials across the South Burnett on Sunday to mark the 58th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan and recognise the service of all Australian troops in Vietnam.
In Kingaroy, a small group of veterans and their families gathered near the front entrance of the Kingaroy RSL Club for a service.
Guest speaker was Major Craig Campbell, who was born in Kingaroy and educated at Kingaroy State High School.
His parents are former South Burnett Mayor Keith Campbell and his wife Marion.
In 1995, Craig joined the Army and studied at the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Royal Military College, Duntroon.
He graduated in 1998 as a Signal Corps officer, serving in Afghanistan and East Timor; his other postings have included a stint with 3rd Radio Battalion US Marine Corps.
His close connection with the Vietnam War is via his wife, Carmen, whose father John – another Kingaroy resident – served with 5RAR in Vietnam.
Major Campbell said Vietnam Veterans’ Day was an important date on the nation’s annual calendar, a day to pause and reflect on Australia’s commitment to the Vietnam War.
“More than 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam, over 3000 were wounded and over 500 gave their lives,” Major Campbell said.
He said the Battle of Long Tan, on August 18, 1966, was only one of many stories of courage and sacrifice from the Vietnam War.
“Many veterans carry the weight of their experiences with them,” Major Campbell said.
“The pain of recalling such experiences is often profound but it is also a testament to the strength and spirit of those who served.”
He recalled the various veterans who had shaped his life, including his former music teacher at KSHS, Laurie Case, who introduced him to Army Cadets.
He also recalled the rocket attacks which had occurred on his base in Afghanistan.
“But my stories pale in comparison to those of many here today,” Major Campbell said.
“I cannot fathom what it must feel like to be conscripted, thrust into life-or-death combat in a distant land and then return home to live a normal life as if nothing had happened.”
He said many people had paid a price for their military service.
“As a nation we must continue to support our veterans,” he said.
|
|
|
Thanks southburnett.com.au for attending the service and publishing such a great article / photographs. The one of Major Campbell, along with his parents and his wife’s parents, is something I am sure they will treasure forever. What a very special moment in all their lives.