Vietnam Veterans Day acknowledges service
Vietnam Veterans Day on Friday August 18 does not attract the attention of the nation like Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies, but it is equally significant as a reminder of Australia’s military service and the sacrifice of those who served.
To the men and women who took part in Australia’s longest military conflict, the day is a time to reflect on the experiences of Vietnam Vets, the harrowing cost of that service - and on the lifelong friends forged in the jungles of Vietnam.
Bourke RSL President Victor Bartley was one of 23 young men from the Bourke Shire who served, and one of five Aboriginal servicemen.
Victor signed up to the Royal Australian Army and was deployed as a member of the Seventh RAR at the age of 21.
Fifty-three years have passed since then, but for Victor and other veterans like him, the bonds formed on the battlefield are as strong today as they were more than half a lifetime ago.
“Regardless of whether you were Aboriginal or not, we all went there for a common cause, with a sense of patriotism and mateship and we trusted each other to look after one another,” Victor said.
“Anyone who has ever done anything like that can understand what I am trying to say - they are my brothers-in-arms, and it is always good to see them.
“We were the ‘Boys from Bourke’, Barry ‘Arab’ Gissell, John ‘Bunda’ Walker and Jack Good and me.
“Fortunately, we all served together with the 7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment on its 2nd tour of South Vietnam, but unfortunately Barry and John have passed.”
For Victor, losing some of his beloved brothers through age and ill health has been hard and his own health this year prevented him from attending the annual reunion in Queensland. Instead, he chose to spend the day reflecting on the years that defined him, and his mates.
“I am the only Vietnam veteran in Bourke and all of us veterans are getting on, which is why it is even more important that we can see each other and say.
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