Consul General, Graeme Swift addresses the crowd, pre match. Photo Adam Martin

Below is a message from the Australian Consul General to HCMC, Mr Graeme Swift. The message appeared in the 2011 ANZAC Friendship Match Footy Record.

Friends, I’d like to welcome you to the 2nd Annual ANZAC Friendship Weekend in Vung Tau. It’s my honour to be involved in an event that celebrates the modern friendship between Australia and Vietnam, particularly on a weekend when Australians pause to remember the sacrifices made by their compatriots in places across the world.

Monday’s Dawn Service is a chance to show our respect to the fallen, reflect on the tragedy of war and how selfless service by many, many thousands has been a major part of the formation of the modern society we all call home.   More and more veterans are returning to Vietnam each year to commemorate the service of their friends and contribute to the building of friendship between our two countries, and I especially welcome them today.

Australians are a practical people, and this event is also a tremendous example of the efforts Australians bring to bear in helping others. Each of the three charities benefiting from the weekend’s events are having a positive impact on the communities in which they work, and they exist because of the dedication and generosity of their organisers and volunteers. I encourage each of you to consider how you might make your own contribution.

Of course, the weekend kicks off with a football match on the historic Dog Track Oval, and what a match it promises to be! I’d like to pay tribute to the Vietnam Swans and their supporters throughout the country and their efforts to grow this ANZAC Friendship Weekend into the celebration and commemoration that the occasion deserves, noting the work of the community here in Vung Tau in particular. I’d also like to welcome the Hong Kong Dragons to Vietnam, and thank them for accepting the invitation to take part. As the first international side to play the ANZAC Friendship Weekend game, I trust that the occasion will be one they remember fondly in years to come.

I wish the weekend’s events every success.

Sincerely,

Graeme Swift
Australian Consul General
HCMC, Vietnam

Click onto 2011 ANZAC Friendship Match Footy Record to download a full copy.