A SOLID St Helens crowd paid homage earlier this month to those who fought and gave their lives during the Vietnam War.
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More than 100 people attended the Vietnam Veterans Day Service, which featured tributes from St Helens District High School students, the TS Argonaut Cadets, along with a ``Catafalque party'' and live music.
Sixteen Tasmanian soldiers were killed in the war and about 1800 Tasmanians served.
Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia east coast sub branch secretary Debbie Shields praised the community's response to the service.
``I was very pleased with the turnout for our service, especially with it being a weekday, people had to work,'' she said.
``Like in all other wars, the Vietnam veterans laid their lives on the line in Vietnam and fought for their country. Unlike all other wars and conflicts, they were not recognised by the government of the day and a lot of the civilian population when they returned.
``As far as next years service goes, we will have the full support of our local Naval Cadets from TS Argonaut and students from St Helens District High School as always. The following year 2016 will be a big year for our Vietnam veterans as it will be 50 years since the Battle of Long Tan.''