Kevin McMillan's article that appeared in the Official Magazine of the 2012 ANZAC Friendship Match.

Following the passing of Kev McMillan, Vietnam Veteran / Vung Tau Resident / co founder of the Vietnam Veterans and Friends Charity / Swannies’ supporter, we republish below his article that appeared in the Official Magazine of the 2012 ANZAC Friendship Match.

In regards to the ANZAC Friendship Match, it’s interesting to reflect how the event has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years, and how it saddens me that I won’t be able to participate this year. I never realised how significant the ANZAC footy match would become in such a short space of time.

During the weekend of the inaugural footy match in 2010, as an Aussie Vet, I was invited to accompany the ‘punters’ on a tour of such significant Aussie sites as Nui Dat, Long Tan etc., and add a few thoughts and reflections of my own personal involvement so long ago.

Kev McMillan (Swans shirt) with John Brown, escort the match ball to the field umpire at the beginning of the Inaugural ANZAC Friendship Match, 2010. (Flanked by coaches Willy and Josh Little)

I feel that the ANZAC Friendship Match, intentionally or otherwise, is providing a conduit for locals, expats, Vietnam Vets and those who simply turn up on the day, for an opportunity to combine the joy of watching a simple Aussie footy match with a day that is of significance to Australians. In two years I have seen this event become one of the social highlights on the Vung Tau tourist calendar.

The ANZAC Friendship Match very simply fulfils its name – ‘Friendship’, and I’m extremely pleased and proud to have been a part of it.

Thanks to the Vietnam Swans for the privilege, honour and friendship that this event has come to mean to me personally.

Kev McMillan
Australian Vietnam Veteran

(For the record, Kev served in Vietnam with 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment from Jun ‘69 to Jan ‘70 and again with the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam from Aug ‘70 to Aug ‘71.)

Related items:

  • To see a tribute video to Kev, filmed and produced by Steve Drummond, click here.
  • Funeral details: Monday, 7th May, 10.30am at Norwood Park Crematorium, Canberra.
  • Donations to Vietnam Veterans and Friends Charity (VVFC). The family has politely requested that rather than sending flowers, for those interested, please make a donation to the VVFC by contacting the Vietnam Swans or via ACB Bank Vung Tau; A/C Name – Tran Thuy Huong, Swift Code: ABCBVNVX, A/C No. 96296019