Apr 23, 2025
As we Australians get ready to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served in wars, conflicts, and peace operations on Anzac Day, I am sharing a different perspective each day to help prepare ourselves for the day itself, 25 April. Each instalment will also include a poem that I’ve chosen, which I’m sure you will find very moving, as I did.
Yesterday, I focused on the relationship between Australia and New Zealand which formed ANZAC at Gallipoli. Today, I deal with a war that was poorly managed here at home. It hurt our Vets. It’s time to seek their forgiveness.
Day 3: Wednesday, 23 April – “Mr. Vietnam Veteran: We love you. Thank you. We love you.”
“And the Anzac legends didn’t mention mud and blood and tears. And the stories that my father told me never seemed quite real. I caught some pieces in my back that I didn’t even feel. God help me, I was only nineteen.”
– Excerpt from “I Was Only Nineteen” by Redgum
Our nation sent 60,000 of our young men to fight in the Vietnam War, starting in 1962. It would be a difficult, long, drawn-out 13-year engagement that truly tested the patience, unity and resolve of the nations involved. As a country, we utterly failed that test.
This isn’t an analysis of Australia’s conduct or success in Vietnam – that’s a much larger exercise. Today, I want to speak respectfully but frankly about how we, those of us who didn’t serve, treated the men who came home. How many Australians of that era allowed the dividing lines of our political views become our own battle lines, our own war.
I also want to show that, regardless of our differing views, we – this generation of Anzac Day participants – can be a soothing balm of healing to those who still feel the pain of rejection and disrespect.
Our nation failed those nearly 60,000 returning Vietnam veterans from our Army, Navy, and Air Force. All of them men. 523 men didn’t return alive to witness the disrespect and rejection their brothers felt. 16 of those fallen were Tasmanians (some reports say 17). 2,400 men were wounded.
How many more were mentally wounded but not counted?
Political disagreement is not the issue here. After all, don’t we say at Anzac Day services that those who go to war fight for our freedoms? And chief among those freedoms is the liberal democratic system of choosing our governments.
But it has been observed even by a Prime Minister that large sections of our nation overlooked that the Vietnam War was a real military conflict, fought with real guns, tanks, helicopters, transport ships, and field hospitals. The political and cultural divide became the dominant battleground. Australians were divided, but their anger wasn’t aimed solely at politicians. It was also directed at the soldiers themselves – their own brothers, sons, and fathers who were sent to do their duty.
In 1992, Prime Minister Paul Keating gave a wonderful speech and reflected on this home-grown tragedy:
“We acknowledge that in this most debated and disputed of all wars, the first war to be televised, the real burden remained where it has always been in war: on those who fought and on their families and friends. I think it can be said that the passionate debates at home contrived to obscure this fact: as if the war was really being fought here. It was not. … In fact, I think it is true that our forgetting this was an extra burden, an extra pain, for the veterans of Vietnam and their families and friends to bear. That is why today those words ” Lest We Forget” have a profound meaning. Those who visit the memorial in future years will know that Australia did not forget. They will know that these Australians were heroes of the same order as the Anzacs, as those who fought in France, the Middle East, New Guinea and every other place where Australians have gallantly fought and died. – Paul Keating, Prime Minister, 1992.
In researching this article, I found countless Vietnam veterans recounting their experiences of rejection and disrespect. Here are three examples from Tasmanian veterans:
“When we got called up, we did what we had to do. That’s the main thing, you get called up and you did your job. We did what we did in Vietnam, and when we came home they were throwing tomatoes at us. They just didn’t want us, the RSL didn’t want to do anything with us and it was terrible.” – Ken Dann (The Mercury)
“I can understand why some men still find it difficult to remove themselves from the war and the time after it when they were treated so poorly. But what we see now on ANZAC Day is a great change.” – Kerry McCormick (The Examiner)
“When I flew back into Hobart, there was a protest in Franklin Square and I was of course in uniform, I had to go to the barracks, and I was spat on. That’s the sort of reception we all endured. It was pretty horrific. I tried to join the RSL and they wouldn’t have me because they said I hadn’t been to war, I wasn’t a returned soldier.” – Bryon Nichol (The Mercury)
Reconciliation
People my age and younger don’t remember these painful moments. However, I believe the old sorrow lingers in our national consciousness. That’s why I want to share a vivid memory from my time as Federal Member for Bass. In August 2006, I attended the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in Canberra. Prime Minister John Howard used this opportunity to acknowledge the failings of our society in the 1970s. He went further; he thanked and deeply honoured the Vietnam veterans.
Mr Howard said:
We’re very conscious of the lingering impact of that psychological strain. Australia was not as grateful and respectful as it should have been 40 years ago. Let me say to all of you that your nation honours you, your nation respects you and your nation thanks you for your courage and your commitment and the way in which you did your duty as asked of you by your nation and the way in which you upheld the finest traditions of military service of which Australians are so proud.
“Your fellow Australians admire you and we thank you for your sacrifice and your contribution.” – John Howard, Prime Minister, 2006.
This was a deeply moving moment, one that left an impression on all who heard it.
Those of us Federal MPs and veterans present were given a simple white cross lapel pin, in the style of the memorial cross at Long Tan. A few days later on 18 August (Long Tan Day, which became Vietnam Veterans’ Day) I attended a local service at Launceston’s Cenotaph. Incidentally, at that service I had a wonderful conversation with local VVAA sub-branch member and future President Kerry Wise (dec). I asked him to accept my pin. He was very touched, received it and said some very kind things in return as gratitude. My overwhelming memory was of acknowledgment and healing.
I remain fairly close to the Vietnam veterans in Launceston. They don’t ask for anything much. But I do know one thing, everyone is looking for a little bit of respect and acknowledgment – especially when they’ve made large sacrifices for others.
If you’ve read this far, thank you. You might be wondering: How can you play that part I mentioned earlier, “to be a soothing balm of healing”.
So, I’m asking you to seek out a Vietnam veteran this Anzac Day and thank him for his service. If his wife or partner or children are with him, thank them too. They have all endured the pain and consequences of war in their own individual ways.
This is what a Vietnam Medal and ribbon looks like. A Vietnam veteran may well be wearing one just like this.
I am not asking you to apologise on behalf of past generations or the country. But would you be able to find your own words to acknowledge the errors of the past? That we were wrong to not give 100% respect and thanks? Ask them if they can find it in their hearts to forgive these old offences. Tell him his country loves him.
What better way can we practically demonstrate our pledge: “We will remember them.”
If you are a Vietnam War veteran reading this, I simply want to say:
Mr. Vietnam Veteran, we love you. Thank you. We love you.
Lest we forget.
I Was Only 19
– Redgum
Mum and Dad and Danny saw the passing out parade at Puckapunyal
It was a long march from cadets
The sixth battalion was the next to tour and it was me who drew the card
We did Canungra and Shoalwater before we left
And Townsville lined the footpaths as we marched down to the quay
This clipping from the paper shows us young and strong and clean
And there’s me in me slouch hat with me SLR and greens
God help me – I was only nineteen
From Vung Tau riding Chinooks to the dust at Nui Dat
I’d been in and out of choppers now for months
And we made our tents a home, V.B. and pinups on the lockers
And an Asian orange sunset through the scrub
And can you tell me, doctor, why I still can’t get to sleep?
And night time’s just a jungle dark and a barking M16?
And what’s this rash that comes and goes, can you tell me what it means?
God help me – I was only nineteen
A four week operation, when each step can mean your last one on two legs
It was a war within yourself
But you wouldn’t let your mates down ’til they had you dusted off
So you closed your eyes and thought about somethin’ else
And then someone yelled out “Contact”, another bloke swore
We hooked in there for hours, then a God almighty roar
And Frankie kicked a mine the day that mankind kicked the moon
God help me – he was goin’ home in June
And I can still see Frankie, drinkin’ tinnies in the Grand Hotel
On a thirty-six hour rec. leave in Vung Tau
And I can still hear Frankie, lying screaming in the jungle
‘Til the morphine came and killed the bloody row
And the Anzac legends didn’t mention mud and blood and tears
And the stories that my father told me never seemed quite real.
I caught some pieces in my back that I didn’t even feel
God help me, I was only nineteen.
Click here for further information on local services and how to hold your own Anzac Day ceremony at home.
Sources:
https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/event/vietnam
https://www.examiner.com.au/story/8224434/tasmanias-vietnam-veterans-honoured-50-years-on/
https://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/the-vietnam-memorial-at-anzac-park-in-lindisfarne-honours-all-tasmanian-vietnam-casualties/news-story/075d5f2e610cc14a5402250f83168385
https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-8567
https://www.smh.com.au/national/pm-pays-tribute-to-vietnam-veterans-20060818-gdo7eo.html
https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/honours-awards/australian-awards/vietnam-medal
Apr 22, 2025
As we Australians get ready to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served in wars, conflicts, and peace operations on Anzac Day, I am sharing a different perspective with you each day to help us be prepared for the day itself, 25 April. Each instalment will also include a poem that I’ve chosen, which I’m sure you will find very moving, as I did.
Day 2: Tuesday 22 April, “Family: Australia and New Zealand”
“Little they knew of warfare, Their lesson was all to learn – These men of the Golden Wattle, These lads of the Silver Fern.”
– Excerpt from “A Poem for Anzac Day”, by “a New Zealander”
Yesterday, I focussed on the herb, Rosemary, that we use to remember our service men and women in all conflicts on Anzac Day. In this second instalment, I focus on the relationship between our two nations, Australia and New Zealand which formed ANZAC at Gallipoli. Remember to ready yourself with the New Zealand national anthem – you may be invited to sing it this Saturday.
The birth of two nations, through blood and tears
Did you know that New Zealand is specifically named in the Australian Constitution as a State that is welcome to join our federation?
That should tell you something about the closeness and affection our peoples had for each other in the lead up to the foundation of Australia as a federation of states in 1901. (New Zealand chose not to join, but it could still do so one day).
Little wonder then, that when war broke out in 1914 (leading to the Gallipoli campaign in 1915) that the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) operated as one cohesive unit despite drawing on two separate but allied military forces. That conflict was a military failure, and yet it is often referred to as an event that gave birth to our national identities.
I’ve always thought of New Zealanders more as family than friends. If our fellow Australians interstate are brothers and sisters to us Tasmanians; then surely kiwis are first cousins. As cultures, we’re not very different at all. We’re not separated by institutions, economic ideology, language or liberal democratic principles.
When we try to think of differences, the list is short. (Our nifty accents come to mind ahead of the others, aye?)
The familial bonds run deep. Thankfully, our two nations also have deep treaties and intelligence sharing with other distant Western nations (especially the United Kingdom, the USA and Canada) and strong bonds with our close regional partners including Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and the Pacific family of nations.
And when one is threatened, the rest turn up to defend, protect and to rebuild.
I’ve found that occasionally, there will be a New Zealander present in an official capacity at an Anzac Day service. But almost without exception, we will have the NZ National Anthem played or sang immediately after our own. A quick word on “God Defend New Zealand / Aotearoa”. At this point, I just want to say I find that a beautiful and deeply moving song. At the Launceston service, we sing our own National Anthem “Advance Australia Fair” and the first verse of the NZ anthem in both English and in Maori. I love it and think you will too! (Lyrics below)
On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. These became known as Anzacs and the pride they took in that name continues to this day.
The Anzacs landed on Gallipoli and met fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. Their plan to knock Türkiye out of the war quickly became a stalemate and the campaign dragged on for eight months.
At the end of 1915, the allied forces were evacuated. Both sides suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,700 Australian soldiers were killed. Over 2,700 New Zealand soldiers were killed. In total, including wounded, casualties among the ANZACs at Gallipoli numbered over 36,000. What a heavy toll for these young nations. What a weight of grief for their families and our trans-Tasman communities.
Our honour boards, cenotaphs, memorial halls and avenues of trees speak clearly of that grief and love in those times. And today, we are pledged to never forget their service and sacrifice. “We will remember them”.
As an Australian, I’m so grateful for the fraternity we enjoy with New Zealanders. Our bonds have been tested and proved both true and enduring. Long may it continue (under Providence) hopefully only in peace, not in another war.
Lest We Forget.
A Poem for Anzac Day
(By a New Zealander)
They came from field and factory,
From desk and fishing fleet,
From shearing shed and foundry,
From hill and plain and street;
Kin of the old sea rovers,
Sons of that stubborn strain
That swallowed all invasions –
Saxon and Norse and Dane.
Men of the far young countries
New-won by their fathers’ toil;
Taut from an endless striving,
Sons of the sea and the soil;
Little they knew of warfare,
Their lesson was all to learn –
These men of the Golden Wattle,
These lads of the Silver Fern.
The hush of a chill spring morning,
The race to the ragged beach,
The hail of the searing shrapnel,
And the big shells’ angry screech;
Up and up to the ridges,
Through the bullet-belching brucsh,
To the hell of a fire-girt dawning
And the flame-edged Turkish rush.
The soft Levantine breezes
Steal o’er the storied spot;
The flanks of Achi Baba,
The red-stained Daisy Plot,
The gullies east of Anzac,
The slopes of Sari Bair
Are silent now; yet ever
We honour those who’re there.
Their names shall live for ever
In the Halls of Memory.
They gave their lives as ransom
That we who live be free.
They bought us peace and freedom,
Nor grudged the utmost price.
God grant that we prove worthy
Of their great sacrifice.
Advance Australia Fair
Australian National Anthem
Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are one and free;
We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature’s gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history’s page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
Click here for further information on local services and how to hold your own Anzac Day ceremony at home.
Sources:
https://www.army.gov.au/about-us/history-and-research/traditions/anzac-day
https://www.mch.govt.nz/our-work/flags-anthems-and-emblems/national-anthems/god-defend-new-zealand-aotearoa
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/interactive/gallipoli-casualties-country
https://www.armymuseum.co.nz/a-poem-for-anzac-day/
Apr 21, 2025
As we Australians get ready to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served in wars, conflicts, and peace operations on Anzac Day, I am sharing a different perspective with you each day to help us be prepared for the day itself, 25 April. Each instalment will also include a poem that I’ve chosen, which I’m sure you will find very moving, as I did.
Day 1: Monday 21 April, “Rosemary”
“There’s Rosemary, that’s for remembrance. Pray you, love, remember.”
– spoken by Ophelia, in Shakespeare’s Hamlet
In this first instalment, I focus on the floral emblem that we are encouraged to wear on Anzac Day – a sprig of rosemary. It’s probably in your garden to go with your Aussie lamb roast but it isn’t an Australian native plant. Remember to pick some to wear (and some extra to share) this Friday.
The Rosemary of Gallipoli: A Symbol of Remembrance
While the red poppy is a well-known symbol of remembrance, Australians wear sprigs of rosemary on ANZAC Day, a tradition deeply rooted in history and symbolism.
Rosemary has been associated with remembrance since ancient times. Greek scholars believed the herb improved memory, and apparently students wore it in their hair during exams. Romans burned rosemary or placed it in tombs to honour the dead. This association with memory and fidelity made rosemary a fitting emblem for remembrance.
Rosemary has always held a strong significance for Australians who remember our war service personnel. This is because it grows wild as a native plant on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey, where Australian troops landed on April 25, 1915. The harsh conditions of Gallipoli left an indelible mark on the soldiers, and the rosemary that thrived in the rugged terrain became a symbol of their own enduring spirit.
One source suggests that the tradition of wearing rosemary sprigs on ANZAC Day began when a wounded Australian soldier brought a cutting of rosemary from Gallipoli back to Australia. He planted it in the grounds of the Army Hospital at Daw Park in South Australia. Cuttings from that bush have been used to propagate rosemary plants across the country. Today, sprigs of rosemary are distributed by organisers of Anzac Day services, allowing us Australians to wear this symbol of remembrance with gratitude.
As we approach Anzac Day, let’s remember the sacrifices made by those who served us in the past and those who continue to serve today. Remembering those who died and those who were injured; those who served on our shores, and those who were sent abroad into conflict and danger. They all paid a price and that price was shared by their loved ones.
The sprig of rosemary that we will wear this Anzac Day is much more than just a symbol. It is a living, growing tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of the ANZACs and the many servicemen and women who came after them – to whom we owe a such a large debt of humility, resolve and gratitude.
Lest We Forget.
“In Gallipoli” by Eden Phillpotts
There is a fold of lion-coloured earth,
With stony feet in the Aegean blue,
Whereon of old dwelt loneliness and dearth
Sun-scorched and desolate; and when there flew
The winds of winter in these dreary aisles
Of crag and cliff, a whirling snow-wreath bound
The foreheads of the mountains, and their miles
Of frowning precipice and scarp were wound
With stilly white, that peered through brooding mist profound.
But now the myrtle and the rosemary,
The mastic and the rue, the scented thyme
With fragrant fingers gladdening the grey,
Shall kindle on a desert grown sublime,
Henceforth that haggard land doth guard and hold
The treasure of a sovereign nation’s womb—
Her fame, her worth, her pride, her purest gold.
Oh, call ye not the sleeping place a tomb
That lifts to heaven’s light such everlasting bloom.
They stretch, now high, now low the little scars
Upon the rugged pelt of herb and stone;
Above them sparkle bells and buds and stars
Young spring hath from her emerald kirtle thrown.
Asphodel, crocus and anemone
With silver, azure, crimson once again
Ray all that earth, and from the murmuring sea
Come winds to flash the leaves on shore and plain
Where evermore our dead—our radiant dead shall reign.
Imperishable as the mountain height
That marks their place afar, their numbers shine,
Who, with the first-fruits of a joyful might,
To human liberty another shrine
Here sanctified; nor vainly have they sped
That made this desert dearer far than home,
And left one sanctuary more to tread
For England, whose memorial pathways roam
Beside her hero sons, beneath the field and foam.
From Plain Song, 1914-1916
Click here for further information on local services and how to hold your own Anzac Day ceremony at home.
Sources:
https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/commemoration/symbols/rosemary
https://anzacspirit.com.au/blog/the-traditions-of-anzac-day
