The Griffith RSL Sub-Branch, in conjunction with Griffith City Council will acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War by hosting a special morning tea.
On Friday 18 August 2023, a national commemorative service is being livestreamed from 10am in the Burley Griffin Room at the Griffith Regional Theatre.
All veterans of the Australian Defence Force and their families from Griffith and the surrounding towns are invited to attend the morning tea at 9.30am before the national service.
A short service will also be held at 4pm at the cenotaph in Memorial Gardens.
Griffith RSL Sub-Branch Secretary/Treasurer Berdene Oxley-Boyd said the morning tea is an opportunity to thank Vietnam veterans for their service, and remember those who did not return.
“We would really like to see local veterans come along for morning tea as a way for us to say thank you,” she said.
Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran said he was pleased Council could support the commemoration.
“It’s important that we honour these brave men and women and show our appreciation for their service and sacrifice to defend our nation,” Councillor Curran said.
“I don’t believe that recognition was done well 50 years ago so it is important that we do it much better today.”
Attendees are urged to book a free ticket for the morning tea and livestream at: https://events.humanitix.com/national-commemorative-service
Meanwhile the Griffith RSL Sub-Branch President Michael Borg said they will also be honouring Lance Corporal Peter Edward McDuff, who served with D Company 2nd (ANZAC) Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment during the Vietnam War.
“Lance Corporal McDuff was killed in Nui Dat on September 28, 1967 and is the Griffith region’s only veteran to have died in service in Vietnam,” Mr Borg said.
The Griffith RSL will host a memorial service for Lance Corporal McDuff on August 3 at Darlington Point Cemetery at 11am.
