Vietnam Veterans Honoured

Each year on August 18, Australia pauses to commemorate, acknowledge and honour the almost 60,000 Australians who served in the Vietnam War.  

Vietnam Veterans’ Day is also a time to remember the sacrifices of those who did not come home and the loved ones who mourned their loss.  

We would like to acknowledge the Vietnam Veterans who returned to Australia and founded our service to help their fellow veterans overcome mental and physical challenges from the war.  

Previously known as the Vietnam Veterans’ Counselling Service (VVCS), Opens Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling is a testament to their foresight, determination and ongoing legacy.

For veteran RAAF pilot and author Guy Hall, Vietnam Veterans’ Day takes him back to the day when, as an 8-year-old-boy, he saw his father go to war.

‘It was the first time I ever remember seeing my mother cry,’ he said.  

Guy has re-released his 1999 book, Our Vietnam, to give a new generation of readers an insight into the impact the Vietnam War had both on families and the veterans who returned home.  

In doing so, he also hopes to inspire a wider audience to reflect upon the consequences of war.

Guy enlisted his two daughters to illustrate the 70-page book, which recounts cherished family memories, highlights his own military service, and shares the post-war journey of his veteran dad, Richard.   
   
‘My advice to veterans, of any conflict, anywhere in the world, is this: talk to your children. Let them tell you what it was like when you went to war; what it was like when you were away; and what it was like when you eventually came home.’ 

To find out more about Our Vietnam, visit https://tinyfishpublishing.com/

Open Arms provides free, military-aware mental health support for veterans and their immediate family, contact us day or night.

Telephone 1800 011 046.