Spirit of Vietnam Vets - an ANZAC DAY experience
09:00am Thirlmere Cemetery Remembrance Service: (Approx. 1 Hr)
Anzac Day Remembrances focus on a collective compassion for the sacrifices made by ordinary Australians during a War. It is difficult to know the personal stories of our fallen soldiers particularly because of the passage of time, unless there has been a concerted effort to record it. Possibly the stories have been brought to us by dedicated historians who painstakingly record personal stories so that our fallen are remembered or stories handed down by generations of family.
Today we will stop and consider the life of one man who paid the ultimate sacrifice whilst displaying extraordinary courage. The Vietnam War was the first Australian war where Australian soldiers killed in action were returned home for burial. On this day we will gather at his grave side, along with some of the Thirlmere community and Ian’s family members, to get to know and remember this soldier #39's short life. If he had lived, he would have been 79 years now and would have had the opportunities that we have all experienced in our lives. The soldier to be remembered is Private Ian James Thomson, a National Serviceman who whilst serving with the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (RAR), was killed in action on the 19th October 1968. The service will be very similar to an Australian War Memorial Last Post Ceremony and will be conducted by MX5 member Tony Cox, formally 3rd Battalion RAR, Vietnam 1971.. (Historical 3 RAR site is a domain owned and maintained by Tony Cox).
Possibly we will discover other stories of soldiers interned in the Thirlmere Cemetery who did manage to return home from war but passed shortly after because of war caused trauma.
10:00am Thirlmere RSL Sub-Branch have invited the Mazda MX5 members to honour them with a visit to their sub-branch hall at 1 Mason Street, Thirlmere for morning tea. A gold coin donation would be appreciated. There is a museum and facilities in the hall. They are honoured by your remembrance of Ian and the respect shown to the family by your visit. Mazda MX5 vehicles are to park in the RSL car park for a photographic opportunity requested by the RSL Thirlmere sub-branch.
11:0am Travel to Bowral. The Mill : (36 Minutes, 41km) 1045 - 1100hrs hrs (Approx)
Leaving Thirlmere, we will travel to Bowral and gather at “The Mill" Courtyard just off Bundaroon Street, Bowral where there is a Vietnam War display called “Nui Dat” (Means Small Hill in Vietnamese) and view military vehicles and displays. The Southern Highlands Living Military Museum restores and maintains Vietnam War vintage vehicles.
The Mill location at Bowral is a cafe, hotel distillery and restaurants serving coffee and meals. Mr Vinh Tran’s wife, Ms Pho Vietnamese canteen is attached (The Mill) for Vietnamese style food.
The Southern Highlands Living Military Museum (https://military-vehicle.org/ ) is a non-profit organisation run by an enthusiastic Vietnamese Australian, Mr Vinh Tran and volunteers. Funds donated go to disadvantaged Vietnamese children in Vietnam. All Military vehicles can be hired and rides and/or tours organised throughout the Bowral area. The military vehicles occupy pride of place in the annual Bowral Anzac Day parade. Visiting Bowral on the 20th, just prior to Anzac Day is opportune in that several vehicles should be ready and in mint condition.
Review of locations and times will be refined closer to the day. Members are invited to bring personal wreaths, small bunch of flowers or a single poppy that will represent their personal remembrance at either location. Poppies and Rosemary will be provided on the day at no charge.
The activities planned for this event are semi-formal, emotive and historically accurate. Members are encouraged to wear military service medals and decorations. Service medals of family, relative and friends worn on right breast.
Self drive home.
