Respects and gratitude at moving ceremony

Vietnam veterans in Bourke on Tuesday - Eic Chamberlain, Victor Bartley, Peter Smith, Trevor Lees and jim Crowther. Photo: Ian Cole

Story by Tricia Duffield Photos: Ian Cole

It was decades before Vietnam veterans were given the respect and recognition they deserved for their sacrifice and service in an unpopular war.

However, it is a different story today, in 2026. On Tuesday, people across the nation attended Vietnam Veteran Day commemorative services and in Bourke, a large crowd took the time to show their gratitude to veterans from the Bourke Shire and beyond.

RSL Vice President Victor Bartley said he was surprised and proud that the service in Central Park was so well attended.

“People took time out of their working day, and we had the school children from St Ignatius, the Bourke Public School, Bourke High School, we had Pastor George Mann leading us in a few prayers at the ceremony,” Victor said. […]

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