The Riverina ex-military man was one of a handful of residents, who braved the cold on Saturday to pay tribute to the sacrifices made across the Vietnam War. 

Mr Bak – the Integrated Service-people’s Association of Australia’s founder and president – gave the welcoming address at Bethungra’s inaugural Vietnam Veterans Day service across the weekend.

More than a dozen residents made for and small and intimate remembrance day tribute. But Mr Bak said he was hopeful for a greater attendance next year. 

“We hope that the next service is a warm day, with many more attendees,” Mr Bak said. “It is the least we can do to honour our Vietnam era veterans.”

In Mr Bak’s speech, he paid tribute to all who had served in Vietnam, the troops at home who supported them, those who died, those that could not cope when they returned and the family members at home – the “bedrock of support”. 

While the annual day of remembrance is aligned with the notorious Battle of Long Tan – considered Australia’s fiercest battle of the war – this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Coral-Balmoral. 

Riverina veteran Ralph Todd told Fairfax Media, the little-known 26-day incursion had been “hectic” and “hair-raising”. 

The former corporal of the Royal Australian Engineers said he and fellow soldiers, who fought in the battle were this year awarded a Unit Citation for Gallantry. Mr Todd said it was a medal he would wear with pride. 

The battle began on May 12 in ‘68 and resulted in the loss of 26 Australian lives, with a further 109 wounded. 

Of about 60,000 Australians who fought across the war, 140 had listed their place of birth as Wagga; 103 were from Griffith, 44 from Narrandera; 29 from West Wyalong; 57 from Temora; 65 from Leeton; and 20 from Gundagai.