Vietnam50 Commemorative Dinner in Canberra Honours Veterans and Bridges Generations
Canberra’s Vibe Hotel was the setting for the Vietnam50 Commemorative Dinner, a night that honoured the service and sacrifices the RAAF Vietnam War veterans.
Canberra’s Vibe Hotel was the setting for the Vietnam50 Commemorative Dinner, a night that honoured the service and sacrifices the RAAF Vietnam War veterans.
Hosted by Carl Schiller, the National President of the Air Force Association, the event attracted more than 50 attendees and featured a line-up of distinguished guests.
Among the attendees were Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC (Retd), Deputy Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Reynolds, AM and Warrant Officer of the Air Force Ralph Clifton, all of whom contributed to an atmosphere of deep respect and acknowledgment of the RAAF’s significant involvement in the war.
AFA Ambassador Wing Commander Sharon Bown, AM (Retd) was the guest speaker of the evening and presented a compelling talk entitled “Dust off – Vietnam to Afghanistan”. Her speech was not only informative but deeply inspiring, striking a balance between the historical context and contemporary challenges and successes in military service.
While the night served as a retrospective look at the Vietnam War era, it was also a forward-looking occasion, emphasising the values and lessons that continue to inform today’s military service.
The Vietnam50 Commemorative Dinner was a testament to the importance of remembering our past, acknowledging the sacrifices made and fostering unity and respect among different generations of Service personnel.