VETERANS from around Australia gathered in Tongala on Thursday to honour members of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment who fought and died in the Vietnam War.
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Founded in 2011 after the construction of the cavalry memorial in Sound Shell Park, the service provided an opportunity for veterans and their families to reconnect and honour those lost along the way.
They were also joined by students from Tongala Primary and St Patrick’s Primary who played a key role in the proceedings.
The service began with a march from the RSL Hall down Mangan St to the cavalry memorial, with the students carrying the Flags of the Fallen.
Dallas Burrage, who has co-ordinated the service since its inception, said it was important for children to stay in touch with their history.
“It’s only this past three years where we progressed the local school students through to where they actually run the service,” he said.
“The memorial here is in their town and is part of their community. The memorial is part of them and adjunct to their learning.
“We’ve received a lot of support from the Tongala community since we got here. People have done quite a lot of work for us and we’re very grateful for what they do.”
3rd Cavalry veteran Dennis Krake, who served as a crew commander in 1969, said he travelled up from Melbourne to attend the service.
“We virtually come from all over Australia… making the effort is certainly worthwhile,” he said.
“Not everyone can make it every year but there were quite a few attended which was great.
“It is an invaluable opportunity to meet with old friends again and remember those who are unfortunately up on the wall.”
Mr Burrage said he would make the long trip from his Coffs Harbour home to Tongala for as long as he could.
“We lost 20 of our fellows in the Vietnam War and as they say, ‘lest we forget’ and we don’t forget,” he said.
“We hold this commemorative service each year just for that reason.”
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