Vietnam Veterans Incursion 2018

St Agnes Rooty Hill students dressed in Vietnam War gear

This year marks the 10th visit to St Agnes from the St Mary’s Sub Branch Vietnam Veterans Association. We were honoured yet again with guest speakers Mr and Mrs Vin and Nancy Cosgrove and Mr Jeff Perry.

On the 6th of June, the year 10 students were expertly informed not only about the events and battles leading up and including the Vietnam war but they got to experience what it would be like carrying the heavy packs the soldiers had, during the war.

While it was a source of amusement that the telecommunication used during the war was bigger and heavier than house bricks, the students were told that these were state of the art communication technology of the time and it saved many lives.

It was also clear that if the birthday ballot had been applied many of our students would have been recruited had they been of age during this period.

One thing that captured the attention of the Year 10 audience was when Mr Cosgrove attempted to describe the sound of war as well as the horror of being wounded and being stranded behind enemy lines.

The students were so engaged that they willingly gave up part of their lunchtime to hear the final summation of the presentation. Many students stayed back to ask more questions.

Mr Cosgrove was also impressed with our students and wrote a very complimentary letter about the school and the student body.

St Agnes is privileged to have such a close association with the St Mary’s Sub Branch of the Vietnam Veterans. We look forward to many more visits from the veterans, who are committed to keeping the memory of the sacrifices and experiences of the Vietnam war, alive.

Bonita Carlin
HSIE Coordinator