This year’s Vietnam War memorial will mark the 50th anniversary of combat troops leaving South Vietnam in 1973, a fact that has not escaped the minds or hearts of Australia’s veterans.

A number of events will be held in Australia, Vietnam and other involved countries to remember the significant conflict.

Former Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove served in Vietnam as a Lieutenant, and he told Gary Adshead on 6PR Mornings the memories shared by veterans are powerful and varied.

“There was vicious stuff often directed at yung men who thought they’d done the Anzac thing and got a gobful from passers-by on occasions, which was very, very sad,” Sir Peter said.

Press PLAY to hear more of Sir Peter Cosgrove’s memories of Vietnam, and what the 50th anniversary means to Anzac veterans