50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War commemorated

By Krista Schade

Hay Returned Services League, Hay schools, returned servicemen and women and members of the public gathered at the Cenotaph on Friday to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietman War.

Australian troops first arrived in Vietnam in 1962 and 523 were killed in the conflict, with 2,400 wounded.

The war was controversial and upon returning home troops received little recognition.

It was not until 1987 that Vietnam veterans received a welcome home parade to honour their service, and it was not until October 1992 that the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial was dedicated.

Images: The Riverine Grazier / Margie McClelland.