RECALLING times of conflict and war can bring back painful memories, but it is hoped the opposite will occur in Leeton this month.
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The Leeton RSL Sub-branch will be holding a 40th anniversary reunion for Vietnam War veterans in town on October 27, 28 and 29.
Veterans from across the country will be attending to be part of numerous events, including a social get together on the Friday evening, followed by a march from the town’s cenotaph to the Vietnam War memorial at the Leeton Soldiers Club the following day.
A dinner will follow where the veterans will be able to catch up.
“It’s a good opportunity to get together and see how everyone is going.” RSL Sub-branch president John Collins said.
“The first reunion was held here 40 years ago, so we are lucky enough to get to hold all of the big milestone ones.”
Sub-branch members are also keeping active this month as part of an initiative to improve health and fitness among all veterans.
Their target is to reach 10,000 steps every day and two teams are participating.
They are the Leeton Khaki and Leeton Ship Side Grey.
“It’s a bit of fun to improve fitness and get active,” Mr Power said.
Rounding out the busy month will be a night of celebration to recognise 100 years since the Charge of Beersheba at the Leeton Soldiers Club.
Guest speakers on the night will include Anne Flood who is a light horse historian and author, as well as Warwick Deane, who is the artist behind the huge Charge of Beersheba major artwork commissioned by the RSL Sub-branch at the club.
“It’s going to be a great evening to mark the centenary of the charge,” Mr Power said.
“All community members are invited to take part in any of these events.
“We would love to see some younger veterans coming along to the Vietnam reunion as well.”
The commemorative Charge of Beersheba dinner will be held on October 31 at the club from 6.30pm.