On the 13th of August 2022 the Lower Plenty Bears commemorated the Battle of Long Tan celebrating the Diamond Valley Vietnam Veterans.
As part of the day the Montmorency Eltham RSL kindly donated Vicki Ward a Lone Pine to give to the local community organisation of their choice, and she was pleased to be able to gift it to the Lower Plenty Bears for their show of ongoing support.
Each year the Lower Plenty Bears play a special game to commemorate and celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. The game played between the Lower Plenty Bears and the Panton Hill Football Club was a lovely recognition of the service of our own Diamond Valley Vietnam Veterans (DViets). To celebrate the day the Watsonia RLS Pipes and Drums performed, and 50 seedlings were donated by Level Crossing Removal Project and were given to the DViets to commemorate the service members who have passed away since the DViets begun.
The day provided an opportunity for players to meet and speak with Vietnam Veterans, and to recognise and celebrate the sacrifices made by those who served in the Vietnam War.
Additionally, a Lone Pine was donated by the Montmorency Eltham RSL and was planted in Montmorency Park Reserve to provide locals with a place of remembrance and respect.
The origins of the Lone Pine planted in Montmorency Park Reserve can be traced back to Gallipoli, and is a commemorative symbol that celebrates the service men and women and the sacrifices that they made. These Pines are planted across Australia as symbols of respect and remembrance.
Vicki Ward was joined by Sonja Terpstra and Mayor Elizabeth Nealy from the Banyule Council to participate in the day.
Quotes attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward
“It was a pleasure to be a part of the Lower Plenty Football and Netball Club’s Vietnam Veterans round which respectfully commemorated those who served in the Vietnam War. Additionally, the planting of the Lone Pine kindly donated by the Montmorency Eltham RSL has provided a place of remembrance for the local people. The Lower Plenty Bears are to congratulated for their thoughtfulness and for the work they put into the day.”
