HUMANITIES

Honouring Australian Vietnam Veterans Competition

Congratulations to Brie-Anna Fisher of Year 9 who was selected as WINNER of the Honouring Australian Vietnam Veterans Competition.

This one off competition held this year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, was open to all Australian secondary school students in Years 9 and 10. Over 70 entries were received and Brie-Anna’s fabulous entry has awarded her a trip to Canberra in August.

Students were asked to complete the following task:

The Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial on Anzac Parade in Canberra acknowledges the diversity of roles played by Australian servicemen and women during the Vietnam War. It also commemorates the more than 500 Australians who died.

Reflecting on this memorial and your learning about the Vietnam War, provide a written, multimedia or creative response to the following:

1. Research any two individuals or groups who served in the Vietnam War (e.g. RAR, RAN, RAAF, medical, dog handlers, SAS, engineers). What was their role and contribution?

2. Why is it important to honour their service and remember this part of Australia’s wartime history?

Brie-Anna interviewed Vietnam Veteran, Mr John Ockwel and also researched Lieutenant Barbara Francis Black for her competition entry. As part of her research, she visited the Vietnam Veterans Museum at Phillip Island and conducted extensive reading on the topic.

We look forward to hearing from Brie-Anna after her amazing visit to Canberra and participation in a Commemorative Program from August 17-19. She will also be there to see the Vietnam Veterans’ Day 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan on Anzac Parade, Canberra.

Kristy Mays

VCE Humanities Teacher