SECONDARY schools through the region are being encouraged to participate in the Australian Government’s Honouring Australian Vietnam Veterans schools’ competition.
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Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said the competition encourages students in Year 9 and 10 to explore the service of Australia’s Vietnam veterans, and to reflect on the importance of remembering their involvement in the conflict.
“More than 60,000 Australian servicemen and women were deployed to Vietnam between 1962 and 1975, and over 500 were killed. While many returned home with physical and emotional scars, all came home with a personal story to tell.
“The Honouring Australian Vietnam Veterans schools’ competition offers students an opportunity to research some of these stories and better understand their service. Students can submit responses in a variety of ways, including multi-media, artworks, musical compositions or essays.”
Dr Gillespie said the competition is open until Friday, April 8, 2016 giving students two full terms to participate. Schools can enter their best individual student entry.
Winning students will be invited to attend a three-day Canberra commemorative program in August 2016, where they will visit cultural institutions and attend the national commemorative event marking the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
The Honouring Australian Vietnam Veterans schools’ competition is one of several initiatives linked to the Australian Government’s Anzac Centenary national program. A key aim of the program is to improve education and awareness about Australia’s wartime history, especially among younger Australians.
Further information, including entry details, the competition question, guidelines and frequently asked questions, is available at www.anzacportal.dva.gov.au/competitions.
