Six Manning servicemen who lost their lives in the Vietnam War were remembered and honoured at the Taree Vietnam Veterans Day service on August 18.
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Photographs of the six soldiers, Captain Robert Bruce Milligan, Second Lieutenant Kerry Patrick Rinkin, Private Alan John Wallis, Sapper Peter John Bramble, Lance Corporal Michael Paul White and Private Arthur John Gibson, were placed on the memorial.
"Our Vietnam veterans continue to carry the burdens of their service," Taree RSL Sub-branch committee member, Darcy Elbourne told those gathered.
"They are a remarkable generation of men and women and, together with their families, we have fought hard to ensure their service is never forgotten.
"Here today we honour all veterans and especially those who paid the supreme sacrifice during the Vietnam War. We remember their service and sacrifice of those sons of the Manning who did not return. Our honour roll pays this special tribute to them."
Captain Robert Bruce Milligan was killed in action at Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam on February 14, 1967. He was aged 30 years.
Robert Milligan attended Taree High and was dux of his class at Officer Cadet School, Portsea. He served with the Pacific Islands Regiment Papua New Guinea as Lieutenant. Captain Milligan was serving with the 2IC C Company 5th Battlion, The Royal Australian Regiment, when he was killed.
Second Lieutenant Kerry Rinkin, 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, died of wounds in South Vietnam on April 7, 1967, aged 21.
Private Alan Wallis, 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, was killed in action in South Vietnam on May 16, 1968, aged 21.
Sapper Peter Bramble, 1st Field Squadron Royal Australian Corps of Engineers, died of wounds in the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam on May 22, 1969, aged 21.
Lance Corporal Michael White, 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, died of wounds in South Vietnam on November 25, 1969, aged 20.
Private Arthur Gibson, 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, died in hospital on July 15, 1972, aged 27 years.
Darcy said the presentation of the photos has been well received since it was introduced to the service. He said people spent time after the service reflecting on the faces of the young soldiers who had died.
St Clare's High School will hold its own Vietnam Veterans Day service on Wednesday, August 21 to remember past student Kerry Rinkin.
Vietnam Veterans Day, formerly known as Long Tan Day after the battle of Long Tan, is held on August 18 each year.
