The Broome Returned and Services League will hold a commemorative service on Saturday, July 25 at the club’s flag station to recognise the service and sacrifice of Australian Defence Force personnel who have served on operations since the end of the Vietnam War.

The commemorative ceremony will take place at 11.30am, followed by an informal Christmas in July function with all members of the public invited to attend both the service and the function.

Australia’s military involvement in Vietnam ended in 1975.

For the more than five decades since then, Australian service members, police and public servants have been deployed continuously on peacekeeping, humanitarian and war operations around the world.

Broome RSL president Lt-Col Craig Bruhn said the day was about both remembrance and recognition for those Australians, as well as commemorating the ongoing contribution of Australia’s servicemen and women.

“Even during the so called ‘long peace’ after Vietnam, Australian’s were still deployed; and they continue to do so today. It’s important we give them the opportunity to mark their service,” he said.

Mr Bruhn encouraged every part of the Broome community to attend the commemoration and the Christmas in July function.

“Our new motto is, ‘Open to the Environment. Open to everyone’. And we’d love to see the next generation of veterans and their families on the day,” he said.

Bookings for the Christmas in July event are highly recommended and can be made by contacting the RSL through barmanager@broomersl.com.au.