Honouring Australian Vietnam Veterans Competition
Earlier this year, the Year 10 Elective History Class completed an assessment task which related to Australian groups that participated in the Vietnam War and the importance of the participation. The best assessment in this class was then submitted into the Honouring Australian Vietnam Veterans Competition held by the Department of Veterans Affairs. My essay was fortunate enough to have been submitted into this and was the successful entry for the Macarthur Electorate.
Mia with the Hon Bill Shorten MP
On 16 August, I departed for Canberra as a part of the group of winning entries. During the three days I was there, I was privileged enough to experience the 50th Commemoration of the Battle of Long Tan, meet politicians such as Bill Shorten, visit the War Memorial and see the Last Post Ceremony. I also got to visit the new and old Parliament House and watch the only Australian movie about the Australian experience in Vietnam.
Through this trip, I was able to get a new understanding of what the veterans experienced during the war, receive a better idea of the response which the veterans received when they came back including the lack of commemorative services and recognition for them. I also made a lot of new friends whom I have a similar interest with and made memories which I will cherish and keep forever.
Mia K - Year 10 Student
