Looking to take part in one of the many special services in the Mountains during Vietnam Veterans’ Day?
Here’s some vital information about events being organised by the Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans to honour veterans, as well as the services, the speakers and road closures to expect.
On Sunday, August 14 the regular parade will be held through Springwood. It starts at 11am. Large crowds usually turn out to honour the Mountains’ Vietnam War veterans as well as the women and men who have served in post-war conflicts and missions.
This year’s guest speaker is Air Commodore Richard Lennon CSC from RAAF Richmond who will speak at midday at the cenotaph. The Commodore has also organised for a Hercules flyover from 11.45am.
Two other special guests on the day will be two Battle of Long Tan veterans. Cranebrook’s Terry Ryan and Tom Humphries from the central west will attend and speak about their experiences.
Road closures from 11am to 1pm are as follows: 11am to 11.30am Macquarie Rd between Homedale and Ferguson Rd underpass. From 11.30am to 12.15pm Macquarie Rd between Ferguson Rd and the sports club. From 11.30am to 12.15pm Macquarie Rd and Greenway Lane (west and east ends) as well as Raymond Rd, Springwood Avenue. From 11.30am to 1pm Macquarie Road at the Raymond Rd roundabout.
There will be entertainment by the Salvation Army Band and the Lithgow Highland Pipe Band. At the Royal Hotel afterwards, Nicki Gillis, an Australian singer who has entertained the troops in Afghanistan will perform.
On Thursday, August 18 a smaller service will be held for the first time to mark the actual day, 50 years on, of the Battle of Long Tan which occurred on August 18, 1966. This service is also at the Springwood Cenotaph. Assemble at 4.15pm for a 4.30pm start and flyover by Iroquois helicopter.
The Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans formed in 1985 to offer support and welfare assistance to veterans of Vietnam and all other post Vietnam conflicts and operations. It has offices at the Springwood Hub. See p3 for Lawson “Welcome Home” service details.