As many of you no doubt knew, yesterday was Vietnam Veterans’ Day in Australia and New Zealand, commemorating the heroic defence at the Battle of Long Tan.
In Australia, opposition leader Peter Dutton attended a memorial service at his local RSL. Former Nationals leader and current Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Barnaby Joyce, also attended a memorial service issued a moving tribute, urging Australians to “pause and reflect today on the sacrifices made by those who served in Vietnam and say thank you to those who helped preserve this incredible gift which is Australia.”
And Prime Minister Anthony Albanese?
Once again, it was case of “Where’s Albo?” He certainly wasn’t within cooee of an RSL, nor did he issue so much as a tweet or a selfie regarding Australia’s proudest day in the War.
Nope, Australia’s PM snubbed Vietnam Veterans in favour of clowning around in a radio studio with an American rapper. Then he jetted off on yet another trip, to Thursday Island, to peddle his race-baiting “Indigenous Voice” referendum.
At least the opposition leader commemorated Vietnam Veterans with dignity:
Amidst the politics, the calamity, and the increasing public antipathy, there were Australians in uniform, serving their country, fighting to halt the march of communism.
The majority were from the ranks of our regular force, having joined willingly.
But around 15,000 Australians who went to Vietnam were conscripted under the National Service Scheme.
Regardless, all who served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1973 did their duty diligently and with distinction […]
Despite showing courage, skill and resolve in extremis – in the battles of Long Tan, Coral-Balmoral, Binh Ba and more besides – many Australian veterans did not receive the homecoming they were expecting […]
Others were treated with ingratitude or indifference.
Peter Dutton MP
When it comes to the current prime minister, clearly they still are.
