History Club's Anzac Assembly - Remembering the Vietnam War
The History Club conducted its annual Anzac Day assembly in the first half of the AGM Assembly on the 2nd of May. The theme of the Assembly was the Australian involvement in the Vietnam War, to commemorate 50 years since Australian forces withdrew.
Cadets from the College performed the catafalque party, Bronwyn Z of the Australian Army Cadets and Emily B, Kiara M and Niskha N of the Australian Air Force Cadets.
Gabrielle V began the assembly and provided context to the College involvement in Anzac Day. Caitlin R gave her speech that she delivered at the Anzac Day service in Mawson Park reflecting on the importance of Anzac Day and paying tribute to the World War I Memorials in the COngregational Cemetery and her own grandfather, H.J.Daley who was a POW in Changi.
The College then watched a video documenting the College’s involvement in the Carrington Care Anzac Day service and the marches on Anzac Day in Campbelltown and Camden.
The rest of the assembly was dedicated to educating the students about Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Ava C talked about why Australia was involved and the fear of the ‘domino theory’ during the Cold War. Isabelle S explained how combat was very different in Vietnam to previous wars in terms of the jungle conditions and guerilla warfare. Emily M discussed the Vietcong tunnels and the role of helicopters in Vietnam. Karli G gave the history of the use of Agent Orange and napalm and their long term consequences. Abigael O recalled the history of the Battle of Long Tan. Students then watched a video of footage from the Vietnam War paying tribute the nurses who served in the war.
The next part of the assembly moved towards the Australian homefront during the Vietnam War. Alessandra R talked about conscription and the birthday lottery. Bianca W discussed how Vietnam was the ‘TV War’ and how public opinion was affected by the news coverage of the war. Charlotte D recalled the treatment of soldiers on their return to Australian and how it was not until 1987 that there was a ‘coming home’ parade for veterans. Abigail B and Laura Z paid tribute to the 523 Australians killed in Vietnam, including the 5 from our local area, Kevin ‘Dasher’ Wheatley VC, Christopher Clark, Bryant Hansen and Raymond McGuire.
Fran Musico-Rullo - HSIE Teacher and History Club Coordinator
