CHRIS HAYES MP
Fall of Saigon Speech 2014 – 39th Anniversary
Fall of Saigon Speech 2014 – 39th Anniversary
Yesterday, ANZAC Day – Australia paused to remember and reflect upon the courage, commitment and the sacrifice of our soldiers who served our nation and who we are forever in their debt.
We remember the 60,000 Australians who fought against the communist invasion of South Vietnam and particularly, the 521 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom and liberty.
Today, we recall the Fall of Saigon 39 years ago:
- we remember the many thousands who died defending freedom
- And we remember those imprisoned for exercising their basic human rights.
And above all, on this sacred ground dedicated to all who fought in the defence of South Vietnam, we pray for freedom and democracy for Vietnam.
I thank VCA executive for the vital role they have played in advocating for the rights of Vietnamese people, organising todays commemoration and giving me the opportunity to pay my respects to Vietnam veterans on this solemn occasion.
Whilst it is 39 years since the Fall of Saigon, I know the pain that remains in your hearts and the suffering still being endured by the people of Vietnam is real and palpable.
Nearly 4 decades later, the battle of human rights and the fight for dignity of the people of Vietnam continues.
I have the utmost respect for the courageous individuals prepared to stand up for human rights in Vietnam.
Today, I acknowledge the vital role that the Vietnamese community in Australia has played in drawing international attention to the ongoing human rights violation in Vietnam.
Today, I also take the opportunity to acknowledge two dear friends, Colonel Vo Dai Ton, known to many as a human rights campaigner and Mr Mieng Van Nguyen, President of the NSW Vietnamese Elderly Friendship Association.
Both men were former officers in South Vietnam army. Their struggles and hardships during the war is a reminder that freedom is precious and only comes with an exacting price.
I greatly admire both these men, not just because of their past, but because they use their skills to make a great contribution to the Vietnamese community in their adopted country, Australia.
As Australian, we are indeed in a privilege position. We enjoy freedom and democracy. In doing so, we also have an obligation to speak up for those who do not have a voice.
The people of Vietnam have waited too long for the basic tenants of liberty.
Today, as we meet here in our nation’s capital, we must also acknowledge the courage and determination of the refugees who fled Vietnam. They risked everything, including their lives in the hope to finding freedom.
For the many thousands that lost their lives at sea or the jungles in making this escape, we pray for their souls.
By commemorating the Fall of Saigon, we confirm our desire to have human rights at the centre of Australia’s engagement with Vietnam because we believe that the people of Vietnam deserve better.
Therefore, today as we pause to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom:-
- We pledge our support for human rights
- We solemnly pray that Vietnam will have freedom, liberty and democracy
CHRIS HAYES MP
Federal Member for Fowler
Chief Opposition Whip
http://www.chrishayesmp.com
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