Local contingent Ray Cannon, Larry Pittman, Ian Hilder, Colin Pike and Malcolm Frame enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with fellow veterans from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia over a long weekend.

“It was great to see some familiar faces,” Mr Cannon said.

“Everyone had a good time.

“I’d estimate about 250 people were in attendance.

“It was a very friendly weekend – and the majority were Vietnam Nashos.

“In fact, we’ve invited a number of them to Muswellbrook to attend our Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony in August.  

“Friday featured a ‘meet and greet’, and sit-down function with finger food.

“Then a short march and wreath-laying ceremony took place the next day.

“Saturday night was the highlight, with the official dinner and Little Pattie show topping it off.

“She entertained the troops during the Vietnam War in Nui Dat, as an Australia Forces Sweetheart.

“In 1994, Little Pattie received the Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal ‘in recognition of her services in support of the Australian Armed Forces in operations in Vietnam’.

“So, we were all keen to get a photograph with her,” he added with a laugh.

“On the Sunday morning, we partook in a barbecue breakfast and tours around the area, including Lightning Ridge.”

Mr Cannon praised the hospitality of the Moree residents, too.

“We were well looked after at the Dragon Phoenix Motel,” he said.

“The manager, Joy Anne, even used her car to run us to the march and the breakfast.

“She was also going to take us to the train for the home journey.

“The train trip was good but the rail line resembled a goat track.

“I have never seen so much of up and down movement between the two carriages before.”