THE TURNING TIDE

From the 12th to 15th October 1988
In Melbourne we stand together
As one, with all our mates
To talk, to laugh, to cry and reminisce
To remember those not with us
It is them we really miss
To talk of all the good times
For the bad times hurt too much

The tide is turning now my friend
And we must stand together
The storm of recognition
is one that we can weather.
We fought a war we knew could not be won
But the battle for recognition
Has only just begun

Stand tall and proud beside your mates
After 20 years of battling
Recognition is yours to take
Share it with your loved ones
For they are victims too
Think of all the tears
They shed just for you
The worry and the heartache
By a family who really cared
This reunion is something special
And with them it should be shared

This week we stand together
Families, mates and loved ones
Hand in hand together
This battle will be won

©Copyright October 14, 1998 by Joesph C. Mercieca

Author’s Note: I was asked to write a poem for the Viet Nam Veterans International Reunion held in Melbourne 12-15 October 1988. This poem is the result. N.B. The poem dedicated to the International Viet Nam Veterans Reunion and was put to music in late 1988 by RAAF Viet Nam Veteran, Al Reynolds