For Harley and Judith Stanton, that continued remembrance will take place at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra next weekend.

It is a special remembrance, for two parts of the service will be dedicated to their fallen brother and brother-in-law Ronald William Betts.

Betts was the first Royal Australian Air Force pilot to be killed in the heat of battle at Vietnam on March 20 1971.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Betts was called in to support the 3^rd RAR Battalion who were under attack from the enemy soldiers in the bunkers north east of Xuyen Moc.

Travelling over enemy bunkers, the A2-383 Huey helicopter Betts was co-piloting received 47 gunshots which killed Betts and severely damaged the helicopter.

The couple, and those that knew Pilot Officer Betts, said that the Launceston man was a 'boy who always wanted to fly' and gave his life doing what he loved.

"It's a very traumatic event in many way because it brings back the memories but it also healing as well because it is an acknowledgement of a life that was given in service for the country," Mr Stanton said.

"He just always wanted to fly and I guess getting into the air force for him was the ultimate goal."

The overall event is commemorating the 50^th anniversary reunion and commemoration of the 3^rd Battalion RAR where Betts will have the last post dedicated to him as part of the honour.

The remembrance will see the Stantons, along with Betts' colleagues from the RAAF and 3^rd Battalion RAR, make the trip to the national's capital to take part in a fitting farewell for the war hero.

Betts' remaining colleagues are travelling from across the country, from as far as Cairns, to ensure their brother in arms is remembered in a fitting fashion.

The effort to make the pilgrimage is not without recognition from the Mr and Mrs Stanton, who said the comradery they have experienced from those associated with the RAAF and RAR Battalion was incredible.

40 years after Betts' passing, the couple was contacted by private Tony Cox, who was part of the platoon under attack to be part of the group's 40^th anniversary reunion and commemoration.

"The thing that we have found is the camaraderie and the mate-ship amongst the RAAF people and even the RAR Battalion has been quite incredible," Mr Stanton said.

"To us, it is really quite remarkable and really such an affirming that we can't help but feel a great deal of collegiality in those that served with him and their interest in remembering him.

"It has been quite incredible and it has taken us on a journey that we never anticipated."

The Australian War Memorial's artist-in-residence Chris Latham has also composed a Vietnam Requiem and the final stage Lux Aeterna, will be dedicated as a constant memory to Betts' sacrifice in service to his country.

GOOD NEWS: Retrace the legacy of the Mountneys

The Requiem featuring the Lux Aeterna dedication will be premiered as part of the Vietnam Requiem Concert which has seen Harley and Judith form a special relationship with Chris Latham.

"We were impressed when we met Chris Latham ... he said 'I want this to be a healing event' and that is certainly what they have tried to do, the theme for the whole weekend is really quite powerful," Mr Stanton said.

Australia's Vietnam veterans have endured a turbulent relationship with the Australian public in decades gone by but Mr Stanton said the couple are grateful can remember

"At the time, when they came back they weren't acknowledged or recognised for their service, in fact some of them have told me how they were treated quite ashamedly," Mr Stanton said.

"It is really quite encouraging to see what is taking place [with this event]."

"They went there at the request of the country and they served their country amazingly well."

The event will be held from June 4 to 9 and can be livestreamed through the Australian War Memorial's website.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:

What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor: