The first Victorian national serviceman fatally wounded in Vietnam will be honoured when veterans from Central Highlands meet for a service at Fawkner cemetery on February 21.
The midday service for Reservoir’s Leslie Farren will be one of 35 held across the state as Victorian Vietnam Veterans Association members pay tribute to the 98 Australians who died during the war.
Central Highlands sub-branch president Ken Bryce said the gravesite commemoration would start a year of events to mark August’s 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
‘‘This is the first time that simultaneous statewide commemorations of this type have been attempted,’’ Mr Bryce said.
‘‘We wanted to visit all of the gravesites where our mates are buried, to honour their service and show they are not forgotten.
‘‘Most of them died very young. They never had the chance to marry, have a family, to enjoy their grandchildren and to grow old, as we have.’’
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