Sydney Swans Director Brad Seymour will make a special pilgrimage this weekend to commemorate those who fought and died in one of the fiercest battles of the Vietnam War.
Seymour and wife Melissa will attend Monday’s Battle of Long Tan ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Vietnam to pay their respects at the site of Australia’s costliest engagement throughout the nation's 13-year involvement.
Having experienced the emotion of trudging the Kokoda Trail during his playing days, Seymour was honoured by the invitation to join the Vietnam Swans Football Club in honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice on what is the battle’s 50th anniversary.
“My wife and I, and my children, have been attending dawn services and marches in the city to pay our respects on what I believe is one of Australia’s most important days, so it’s a very significant day in our family.” Seymour said, who played 133 games between 1994-2003.
“A number of my father’s friends who I’ve known since I was a kid, fought in Vietnam and will be over there at this particular event.
“Once Andrew Ireland (Sydney Swans CEO) extended the opportunity to me, I felt privileged to be able to attend.”
Eighteen soldiers lost their lives when a 2000-strong Viet Cong force attacked Australia’s operation base at Nui Dat in the then South Vietnam on August 18, 1966.
Heavily outnumbered and under resourced, 108 ANZACs fought on bravely to help repel the enemy following four hours of intense fighting.
Seymour said the ceremony, held at the Long Tan Cross Memorial about 100km south-east of Ho Chi Minh City, will be raw and emotive.
“I won’t really know until I’m there, but I remember when I walked the Kokoda Track with my young teammates in 2001,” he recalled.
“We were educated along the way about particular battles that raged in particular areas. It put into perspective very quickly how lucky we are to live the lives we live and be involved with the footy club we’re involved in.
“I’m sure it’s going to an emotional morning and unique experience.”
In the lead up to Monday’s service, Seymour will partake in a “festival of football” hosted by the Vietnam Swans.
An Auskick clinic, women’s match and legends game will serve as curtain raisers to the seventh annual ANZAC Friendship Match between the Vietnam Swans and Jakarta Bintangs at Lord Mayor’s Oval in Vung Tau, the capital of Vietnam’s Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu Province.
Seymour was looking forward to making an appearance in the Lagler Legends vs Al Fresco’s All-stars match, as well as helping the Swans raise much-needed funds for local initiatives and charities including Swim Vietnam and the Vung Tau Orphanage.
“The Swans have very kindly donated a number of items to be handed out and auctioned off, which will go a long way in helping to raise some funds for some very worthy causes.”
“Melissa and I feel so privileged to be part of this event.”
Seymour will take centre stage during the post-match gala dinner for a special “On the Couch” Q&A before going on a tour of the Long Tan battlefield in the lead up to Monday’s Dawn Service.
For more information on the Vietnam Swans and the weekend’s event, visit: www.vietnamswans.com/anzac-2016/
