Student’s moving speech for Vietnam Veterans Day

The Toowoomba Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration ceremony was cancelled on Saturday due to weather concerns.

Photographs Norman Fry took during Operation Herman Park in the Vietnam War.

THE Toowoomba Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration ceremony was cancelled on Saturday due to weather concerns.

St Ursula's College year 11 student Laura Charles was supposed to deliver a moving speech at the ceremony, dedicated to her great uncle.

The Toowoomba Vietnam Veterans Association has shared the speech despite the event's cancellation.

Today, August 18, is Vietnam Veterans Day.

Photographs Norman Fry took during Operation Herman Park in the Vietnam War.

Laura Charles' speech:

Today is a day of commemoration. The commemoration of the men and women who served our nation in the Vietnam War.

Good morning. I am so incredibly honoured to have been given the opportunity to speak to you all today, and recognise the contribution and sacrifice of the men and women who served in the Vietnam War.

Australian Troops were first sent to Vietnam in 1962, with numbers increasing over a ten year period until our country saw more than 58,000 troops be sent to serve in battle. Today we recognise all those who served, and particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice, who lost their lives to the war.

As a nation, it is our duty to ensure that the service and sacrifice of these men and women is never forgotten.

As my generation is the future of this country, it is our responsibility to keep their legacy alive and keep it that way among today's everchanging society.

I am young. I am a part of the generation twice removed from the Australian veterans of the Vietnam War. I simply cannot imagine the hardships and suffering of the soldiers and their families both prior to, during and after the war.

We commemorate all those for whom the war has meant suffering and loss. All those whose experiences still haunt them. All those who served, those who have gone before us, and all of our veterans still here today.

We want to thank you for you incredible bravery and service to our country.

We want to hear your stories.

We want to remember and continue your honourable legacy for generations to come.

Photographs Norman Fry took during Operation Herman Park in the Vietnam War.

I am lucky and honoured to be the great niece of former Private Kerry Campbell. Kerry served in Vietnam in 1969 in Nui Dat as part of the SAS section of the Australian forces.

I was privileged that Kerry not only shared with me some of his story, knowing that it is hard to tell, but also shared some of his written reports of some of his missions.

Kerry was part of a reconnaissance patrol of five extremely brave men, leaving the main camp site for up to 10-14 days at a time to scout the land, look for evidence of the Vietcong and record their observations.

I would now like to share with you some of the recorded notes in the patrol reports for a mission on the 1st of April, 1969.

"Terrain: Gently undulating terrain covered with thick secondary growth of bamboo, thorn bush, scrub and vines entangled with heavy bomb damage. Isolated patches of sparse primary jungle. No water found in location.

At 0800H, one patrol member heard 2 rifle shots at 2 minute intervals from 2000m East. Throughout the night, a patrol member heard spasmodic short bursts of HMG fire from 3000m South East.

At 1500H, a few days later, the patrol found evidence of bunkers and pits that had been partially destroyed by air strike. 50% still usable. Evidence found of tunnel systems between bunkers. Main track showed signs of use within the last 24 hours."

These extracts are a minuscule snapshot in time of one man's experience at war. The experiences and trauma of thousands upon thousands of men and women remains unheard.

My great uncle's patrol was inserted by helicopter into unknown territory, and extracted, sometimes under heavy gunfire. They saw their mates injured and killed in action, something that is completely unimaginable to myself and today's generation.

Today, I simply cannot imagine hearing gunshots while outside during the night.

These courageous servicemen had to cope the difficult terrain and conditions, having to stay silent for weeks at a time, so as not to be detected. They seldom whispered, used hand signals to communicate, and small mirrors to reflect the light to attract the helicopters so as not to be seen by the enemy on the ground.

They slept without tents with their head together in a circle to protect themselves and one another, trying always to have an awareness of where everyone was. They carried some 80 kilograms of food, water, ammunition and other supplies on their backs.

While under the cover of the jungle canopy, a substance by the name of Agent Orange, a chemical herbicide, was sprayed over them, leaving them with skin conditions.

Understanding all of these things combined, I have gained a broader understanding of how brutal and long lasting, these war conditions truly were.

Upon speaking to Kerry, I asked him what he and other veterans would want this generation to understand about their service in the Vietnam War. His answer was simple; that none of them went over there to kill or maim anyone. They went to Vietnam to honour and defend Australia.

I am so extremely grateful to have heard these experiences, and remain hopeful that I can hear the stories of so many others in the future. I, like many of those who belong to my generation, want to hear your stories, for we want to continue your legacy.

The Vietnam War divided Australia like no other. Australian soldiers met a hostile reception upon their return home.

There was a great misconception between the reality and suffering of the Australian soldiers, and the Australian public's perception of them.

It is vital that we recognise this time period for the service of our veterans than for the uproar and protests of the domestic Australian public.

We understand that in the upheaval of our nation, we lost sight of what was most important. Those who served were undoubtedly neglected.

Amid the chaos and drama in the streets, our nation failed to remember that the real battle was fought by the brave men and women who were sent in Vietnam.

I am full of hope that events like these can aid in the healing and reconciliation process of the veterans of the war. As a nation, we strive to honour and make good the memory of their service.

I am only sixteen. I am still growing into the person I will become, and I want that person to possess the qualities of the men and women who fought in this war to defend this nation. I understand that war must not be glorified, as it brought about so much trauma and suffering within this nation and so many others, but I think the qualities of the servicemen and women when placed in these difficult circumstances are something to be admired and to strive towards.

I want to be brave.

Like them, I want to have the courage to fight for the good of my people. I want to stand up in the face of adversity and take challenges head on.

I want to exemplify mateship.

Like them, I never want to leave anyone behind. I want to work as a team and make sure everyone feels valued, welcome and important.

I want to be honourable.

Like them, I want to stand up for what I believe in. I want to serve others and do what is right, keeping the best interest of my community at heart.

Today is an important day. The values of the veterans who were a part of the Vietnam War are some that I aspire to possess. It is our responsibility that their service be recognised and appreciated. It is our responsibility to carry on their incredibly honourable legacy for generations to come. It is our responsibility to keep alive the spirit of these incredible men and women who fought for our nation and so proudly embody the attributes held dear to

this country. I am truly honoured to be in your presence today, and to have been given the opportunity to speak to you all. Thank you.

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