By Brendan Rees
Vietnam veteran Ray Heathcote will observe a minute’s silence at his Berwick home this Saturday to honour his fallen mates and family members who have also served their country.
This year’s Anzac Day – which marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II – will be different with services cancelled due to the coronavirus, which has halted decades of tradition.
“This year I will spend time at home reflecting upon those in my family who served including my grandfather Albert Heathcote who was gassed in France, my grandmother’s two brothers Donald and Hugh Reid served as runners in France – Donald was awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery under fire,” Mr Heathcote said.
“I also remember my mother Norma who served as a Corporal at Murchison during World War II looking after Italian prisoners of war, my father Alby for his service in the Middle East and on Kokoda in New Guinea. I’ll especially think about my uncle Frederick Raymond Heathcote who was killed in action at Mt Tambu New Guinea in 1943.”
Mr Heathcote was only 20 when he was conscripted to fight in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968.
He recalled the “stifling hot” days while based at a camp in Vung Tau with the Australian Army’s Two Transport/Five Company. He shared a tent with four men and slept in a bed covered in a mosquito net. Showers were cold and food was a mixture of produce from Australia and ration packs from Australia and the US.
“Many soldiers suffered from foot and skin problems and one of my good mates was sent home early with hepatitis,” he said.
To commemorate Anzac Day, RSL Victoria is encouraging Australians to take part in the ‘Light Up the Dawn’ campaign by lighting a candle in their driveways or balconies at 6am and observe a minute of silence in respect of veterans and current service personnel.
Victorians can take a picture of themselves while they commemorate and share it on social media using the hashtag #standto.
“As Australians face continued uncertainty due to Covid-19, the RSL want to remind every Australian that they too bear the qualities of Anzac – courage, ingenuity, humour, endurance and mateship – within themselves,” RSL Victoria state president Dr Robert Webster said.
The Anzac Appeal has move to an online campaign in response to coronavirus pandemic. To show your support for those who have made sacrifices donate at anzacappeal.com.au
