Ceremony commemorating the recovery of 20 sets of remains of 7th NVA Division soldiers – Battle of Balmoral May 1968.
Battle of Balmoral May 1968 – 7th NVA Division Remains-Recovery: Friday 26 April 2024.
The Australian Ambassador to Vietnam – Andrew Goledzinowski, the Defence Attache – Group Captain Michael Jensen, the Assistant Defence Attache – Lieutenant Commander David Ngothanh, and the Administrative Assistant WO2 Duncan Reid attended the remains-recovery ceremonies in Chòi Dúng hamlet of Bình Dương Province on Friday 26 April 2024. 3RAR Vietnam veteran (Coral and Balmoral) John Bryant – wearing light grey pants and white shirt with tie, and Luke Johnston (son of a 3RAR veteran and a Vietnam resident – seen offering incense) also participated in the ceremonies.
Hi Ray (FRONTLINE), I’m sure that you have had a busy ANZAC Day. See below an “update” on the recovery of NVA remains from the Battle of Balmoral (May 1968):
Ceremony for the Recovery of Vietnamese Remains – Battle of Balmoral, May 1968.
Tomorrow – 26 April 2024, a Vietnamese ceremony (ie: lễ truy điệu ) will be held in Bình Dưỡng Province (forty kilometres north-east of Hồ Chí Minh City) to commemorate the recovery of the remains of NVA soldiers who fell in the Battle of Balmoral (ie Battle of Đồng Tràm). Australian Embassy officials – including the Australian Defence Attache (Hà Nội) Group Captain Michael Jensen, will attend the ceremony. Australian 3 RAR Vietnam Veteran 77 year-old John Bryant has assisted in the recovery of the remains – for background, including photographs, see: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-25/vietnam-war-veteran-returns-to-help-uncover-mass-graves/103766062 – including photographs of veteran John Bryant, recovery activities, and recovered NVA artefacts (see photograph inserted below).
The geopolitical situation in the world is rapidly heating up. The conflict in Syria is still raging, it exploded almost in the very center of Europe when a full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine began, then erupted in Gaza between Palestinians and Israelis, the Houthis are mercilessly shelling merchant ships in the Red Sea, blocking the Suez Canal, China is carnivorous towards Taiwan. In such a situation, you need to be armed to the teeth. In such a situation, every piece of weaponry matters. The United States has begun a major modernization of the A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft.
The Albanese Labor government has unleashed what it dubs the “largest-ever” single tender for renewable energy in Australia, spelling disaster for taxpayers.
This announcement coincides with the Australian government’s lofty goal of achieving 82 percent renewable energy by 2030, a target that seems more like a fiscal black hole. Under the expanded Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS), which was rolled out in November, taxpayers will be left footing a staggering bill of $67 billion between 2024 and 2027, with no guarantee of return on investment.
This massive tender specifically aims to procure 6 gigawatts (GW) of new variable renewable energy projects for the National Electricity Market (NEM), a gamble with uncertain outcomes. In a dubious move, the federal government has inked a deal with the New South Wales (NSW) Labor government for 2.2 GW of renewable energy, purportedly to power one million households. However, the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of this endeavour remain dubious at best. Adding to the fiscal irresponsibility, 300 megawatts of renewable energy are earmarked for South Australia (SA), contingent upon final agreement between federal and state authorities.
Such uncertainty only adds to the financial burden on taxpayers. In a bid to further deplete public funds, tenders for 500 MW of renewable energy storage are set to open in Western Australia, with no assurance of cost efficiency or long-term viability.
The government’s insistence on releasing market briefings and initiating new tender rounds every six months until 2027 only exacerbates the financial strain on taxpayers, with no clear path to sustainability.
Despite mounting concerns over fiscal prudence, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen remains steadfast in championing renewable energy as the “cheapest, cleanest” option. However, his rhetoric fails to address the exorbitant costs and uncertain returns associated with these ventures. Echoing Bowen’s misguided optimism, NSW Climate Change and Energy Minister Penny Sharpe expresses her eagerness to collaborate with the federal government, oblivious to the financial quagmire that lies ahead for taxpayers.
Tomorrow is April 25th, Australians and New Zealanders unite to honour a pivotal chapter in our shared history – ANZAC Day.
This day carries immense significance, reminding us of the valour and dedication of those who served in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I, as well as those who followed in the service of the nation.
On this day, we pause to reflect on past sacrifices, to pay homage to the courageous individuals who defended our freedom, and to reaffirm our commitment to supporting those who follow in their footsteps.
The ANZAC spirit has become ingrained in the Australian ethos, representing unwavering support in times of adversity and a solemn vow to never abandon a comrade.
Through tough times, we’re reminded of the enduring power of mateship … a force that fosters unity and resilience, shaping our nation’s character.
As we gather to commemorate ANZAC Day this year, let’s honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served, and uphold the legacy they’ve bestowed upon us.
I share your thoughts of remembrance tomorrow and every day.
In this video, we delve into the surprising trend of EV owners shifting gears back to internal combustion engines. We explore the 7 startling reasons why this is happening. From reliability issues to charging challenges, we cover it all.
Greetings from Dubbo, NSW! We’ve successfully reached our destination, greeted by splendid weather upon our arrival last Sunday. Our caravan is now snugly settled for a week-long stay, coinciding with the solemn occasion of ANZAC Day. Our first order of business was a visit to the RSL Sub-Branch drop-in centre, a truly remarkable establishment exuding warmth and hospitality.
At the drop-in centre, we gathered valuable insights about the ANZAC Day march, a cornerstone event in Dubbo’s commemorative calendar. The centre provided us with comprehensive printed materials, which we later discovered were readily available in numerous shops across town.
Our journey then led us to the RSL Club, where we were deeply moved by the array of commemorative memorabilia and captivating visual displays adorning the premises—a poignant tribute to the sacrifices of generations past.
The ANZAC Day march route spans approximately 1.5 kilometres, commencing at the RSL, weaving through the bustling main street, and culminating at the hallowed grounds of the Cenotaph. It’s heartening to learn that all veterans are afforded seating throughout the service, ensuring their comfort and reverence during this solemn occasion. Notably, we were informed of the absence of smoking and Welcome to Country ceremonies, as they are deemed unrelated to the essence of ANZAC Day commemorations.
In reverence, we paid our respects at the Cenotaph, capturing moments of reflection through the lens of our cameras. Below are some photoraphs from our visit.
Our time in Dubbo continues to be enriched by the spirit of remembrance and camaraderie, as we honour the legacy of the ANZACs and the profound significance of this day in Australia’s history.
