IT'S incredibly important to remember those who served our country in any capacity in any conflict and, on Sunday, it was Vietnam veterans who were commemorated at a ceremony in Muswellbrook.
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Taking place at the Vietnam War Memorial under a warm winter sun, history was relived through the voices of those who took part and respect was paid by the generations who benefited from their courage and sacrifice.
As the primary service in the Upper Hunter, there were plenty of recognisable faces in attendance, including federal Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon, state member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen, Muswellbrook Shire mayor Martin Rush and his Upper Hunter Shire counterpart Wayne Bedggood.
Prayers were delivered by reverend Scott Dulley, readings performed by Muswellbrook Public, South Muswellbrook Public, St James Primary and Pacific Brook Christian students and, most prominently, speeches were made by special guests Mick McCrone of the Singleton RSL Sub-branch and president of the NSW Vietnam Veterans Association in Australia Minh Cuong Vo.
A former SAS trooper, Mr McCrone, who served in the war after joining the army in 1968, said it was an amazing feeling to be part of the proceedings and witness how appreciative the nation was of their efforts.
"We weren't treated very good when we came home, we were spat on and people didn't want to know us," he revealed.
"We were called murderers and all sorts of things, so today to come here and see all the people that are out there, and especially the South Vietnamese mixed in with us, I reckon that's fabulous."
Muswellbrook RSL Sub-branch president Greg Cole was also pleased with the event and spoke of the importance it plays within the community.
"The turn out we had today was quite good," he said.
"I'm that pleased with the school children and the politicians showed us the courtesy of being here and I think it has been a very fantastic day and I just hope a few people come back next year."
The theme of the day was very much togetherness, which was illustrated by the delivery of the Australian, New Zealand and Vietnamese national anthems.
Mr Fitzgibbon acknowledged the significance of Vietnam Remembrance Day and recognising those who took part in the conflict, which lasted from 1955 to 1975, with Australia committing troops for a decade between 1962 and 1972.
"Events like this are very important so that our younger generations, in particular, fully understand the sacrifices made and the richness of our history in terms of our military conflict," he said.
"I thought Mick McCrone was very good as guest speaker today.
"He spoke about both the good and the bad, the politics of Vietnam and it is important that we keep the memory alive and thank all that have served."