As the clock struck 11am on Monday, three Vietnam veterans stood solemnly, their heads bowed in reverence at the Ashburton cenotaph.
Graeme Munro, 80, from Ashburton, and veterans from Timaru, 84-year-old David Arps and 79-year-old Terry Farrell, both members of the Ashburton Returned Services Association, had gathered to lay a wreath and remember their comrades.
Just as there was no fanfare or community celebration when they returned from the Vietnam War, which ended 50 years ago this year, there was no public ceremony in Ashburton for Vietnam Veterans Day.
The anniversary day is held on August 18, the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, which was fought in 1966 in a rubber plantation in South Vietnam.
When speaking to The Ashburton Courier about what the day meant to them, they said it was about coming together to remember those they served alongside.
We must never forget those who died and the war we served in, they said.
The three men volunteered and were happy to go.
Graeme has fond memories of his time there, where he served with the 41st Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
‘‘It was a bloody adventure, there was military action all the time. The amount of aircraft and their movements was something I will always remember.’’
Terry served with the 161 Battery for 12 months in Vietnam in 1968 – 1969.
David served for 25 years with the New Zealand Army.
His deployment to Vietnam was as a member of the 1st Australian Logistical Support Group.
He said the highlight of his career was serving in Vietnam.
‘‘It was a highlight as I got to put all my training into action,’’ David said.
The veterans are proud of their medals including those for their service in Vietnam.
The Vietnam Campaign medal issued by the Vietnamese government and the Vietnam Medal affectionately called the Anzac Medal as it was issued by the Australian and New Zealand governments.
‘‘The Vietnam War was the first time since World War 2 that the Anzacs had really worked closely together in war,’’ Terry said.
