pearlbrook 09.04

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National Vietnam Veterans Day. Pearlbrook 2004

Vivid white, the skull, adorned with its slouch hat is a stark contrast against the black rockers and tan letters that encircle it, forming an image that is instantly recognisable as being Australian, it catches the eye of the uninitiated onlooker and within them evokes negative opinions from remembered media images and stories, curiosity then usually compels a, mostly covert, closer look, and upon reading the slightly subdued lettering on its black rockers, there is juxtaposed within their mind another, this time, more favourable opinion. As the image moves away from the field of vision of the uninitiated onlooker, they are left with a feeling of subtle confusion that requires an explanation for the conflict of opinion caused within them.

To the initiated there is no need of explanation, The Colours of the ‘Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club Australia’ speak for themselves.

Visibly carried proudly on their backs by its members, these colours, today serve to bring back together in civilian life, a diverse group of men who were brought together under many colours of a different kind during Vietnam, they also carry visibly on their chests, with equal pride over the heart, their ribbon bars. However, unseen by all except their own, they also carry something within themselves , and that’s the spirit of 521 mates who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

On the 21 August 2004 The Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club NSW Chapter commemorated National Vietnam Veterans Day at its clubhouse located near Murrurundi in the Upper Hunter Valley. Held on the weekend by the VVMC the event honoured all those who served in Vietnam, and also, ‘The Battle of Long Tan’.

Occurring on the 18th August 1966 against an estimated 2,500 N V A regulars and Vietcong guerrillas, this battle, although it lasted for only about three hours from approximately 4.00pm till dusk at 7.oopm saw 18 Australians killed and 24 wounded, the damage inflicted on the enemy was significant. 260 confirmed dead and evidence that several hundred wounded were carried from the battlefield. Long Tan has over the years become synonymous with the fighting spirit of Australia during the Vietnam War and is now officially commenorated each year on its anniversary as National Vietnam Veterans Day.

And this year it was again commemorated at Pearlbrook.

A beautiful early spring day greeted us as we wound our way down the road towards the VVMC property that lies nestled in a small valley. With a creek on one side and surrounded by hills, the site, with its well equipped clubhouse is one of the best rally locations you could find to pitch a tent in and party till you drop.

Having parked the bikes and pitched the tent under a tree it was off to the clubhouse to meet and greet the other arrivals and settle back for a while till mid afternoon when the Service started.

After the VVMC welcomed the almost 700 visitors, we gathered in front of the memorial and it was onto the formal part of the service with the Catafalque Party Mount & Flags to Half Mast, Opening Prayers, and Laying of Tributes, this was followed by an address from Sandy Harbutt of “Stone” fame and a scripture reading by Reverend Jim Hudson, Prayers for the Army, Navy & Air-force were offered by the VVMC, the Ode, Lament & Silence and Last Post saw quite a few lumps rise in the throats of the onlookers and as the service closed with Rouse & Flags to Masthead and the Benediction there was ample time for reflection as to why we were all there.

Completion of Service saw the crowd heading back to the clubhouse and preparing for a night of great entertainment with good food and some great music being knocked out by ‘Jack Russell & the K9s’ first up and then into the wee small hours by the ‘Retro Rockets’, about 2.00 am saw Kaz and myself heading back to the tent well partied out after having had an absolute ball. This report is a bit shorter than usual rally reports as unlike other events put on by the VVMC that are absolutely full on with biker orientated things, this one is more of a time for looking back on an important part of Australia’s past.

Thanks to the VVMC for allowing us to be a part of their Commemorative Service and Thanks for what you did for Australia.

Lest We Forget.

Crusty

Image of the original Long Tan Cross by kind permission of The Australian War Memorial www.awm.gov.au

Image of the renovated Long Tan Cross and additional information by kind permission of www.anzacday.org.au