By ANEEKA SIMONIS
DOZENS of Victorians cycled the long journey to Canberra as part of a ride commemorating servicemen and women who gave their lives in the Vietnam war.
Pakenham RSL president Gary Elliott directed the 700km ride from Seymour to the nation’s capital to mark the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan as well as pay tribute to the 521 Australians who gave their lives in Vietnam.
Some 65 riders from Victoria, aged 14 to 84, and more than a dozen support staff assembled at Seymour on Sunday 13 March ahead of the ride.
Minister for Veterans Hon John Eren joined in on the first leg of the ride to Euroa where a commemorative service was held.
On the final day of the ride, the group paused at the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial for a short service and then moved on to Old Parliament House.
Mr Elliott said sons and daughters of veterans laid a poppy or flag at the memorial site.
“It was at this stage the emotional bubble that had been building since Seymour released,” he said.
Victorian RSL sub groups and the State Government helped sponsor the ride, co-ordinated by the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia.
The Battle of Long Tan’s anniversary is 18 August.
