The Premier's 2019 Anzac Student Tour is underway, with students travelling across Vietnam in recognition of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War.
Vietnam is the chosen destination for this year's tour in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Binh Ba, one of Australia's major conflicts of the war involving fierce close-quarter fighting.
The student participants have a strong interest in history and personal affiliation with the Anzacs, with many having family connections to the armed forces.
During the tour students have stopped at a number of historical sites including Binh Ba, Long Tan, Hanoi Military History Museum and 1st Australian Task Force Base Nui Dat.
Tomorrow's dawn service at the Australian Embassy in Hanoi is a highlight of the tour, with the students and Veterans Issues Minister Peter Tinley representing Western Australia at the service.
The tour participants are:
Eva Mustapic | Applecross Senior High School |
Bree Potter | Broome Senior High School |
Thomas McGrath | Christ Church Grammar School |
Lily Pedretti | Iona Presentation College |
Nathan Moore | Kununurra District High School |
Matilda Miller | Manjimup Senior High School |
Elias Shoosmith | Mindarie Senior College |
Eden Gostelow | Mount Lawley Senior High School |
Emily-Rose Lochore | Perth Modern School |
Erin Peoples | Rossmoyne Senior High School |
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The Premier's Anzac Student Tour helps to keep the memory of the Anzacs alive for future generations and is a valued tradition in Western Australia.
"I am pleased such enthusiastic and dedicated students are representing the State at the dawn service in Hanoi."
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"Visiting important historical sites such as Binh Bah and Long Tan is a profound educational experience that will enrich the students' understanding of Australian history.
"The students will bring their acquired knowledge back to their schools and share it with the community."
As stated by Veterans Issues Minister Peter Tinley:
"Honouring the Anzac legacy is an important tradition to pass on to young Australians.
"It is excellent to see Western Australian students take interest in Australia's war history and pay tribute to the Anzacs."