Thread: Well over due apology

This token Apology is a bit bloody late when the diggers who copped all the treatment by the RSL (and certain demographics within the public sphere) are no longer with us.

That is disgraceful, I would've thought that if anyone was going to support the Vietnam Vets it would be the RSL, as they should be best placed to understand that no one in the military has a choice of where they serve.

I don't need to remind anyone, of a certain age, that our (Australian) involvement in the conflict was highly unpopular. All over the country there were marches and protests.
The men who were conscripted, did their duty, serving Australia, whether they agreed with the politics or not. They should have been respected for doing their duty.
Any disrespect, by any individual or group, should have been directed at those calling the shots, not the honourable men doing their duty to Australia. Of all organisations, the RSL should have understood that.

Last Anzac day my (exRaffy) mate was in a pub following the service. Also was, an anything but dehydrated, Vietnam Vet. The VV was mouthing of loudly, to the entire bar, asking what returned men would the attend the services after all the VVs were dead.
My mate piped up that he and many others who served in the Gulf would carry the flag.
He ranted loudly and disrespectfully of the men and women who were involved in any conflict after Vietnam. He did come back later and quietly apologise.
Every serviceman and woman deserves the utmost respect, they have each signed a blank cheque that can filled in at any time, demanding the ultimate cost.
I salute every ADF member, past and present.

It seems the RSL thought process was that previous wars were "gentlemen's wars" (somehow) but Vietnam was uncivilized? Some such **** anyway.
I think each generation thinks they had it harder then the next - human nature.

But yes there is no excuse for the way VV were treated by the Australian public in general, and RSL in particular, on their return and over the years following.