The cover of today's Footy Record for the ANZAC Friendship Match. On sale today!

Vietnam Swans National President, Phil Johns welcomes people to today’s 2012 ANZAC Friendship Match in Vung Tau. The welcome address comes from the event’s Footy Record.

Dear Friends

From all the Vietnam Swans, it is my great privilege to welcome you to the 2012 ANZAC Friendship Match here in Vung Tau, on the hallowed turf of the former Lord Mayor’s Oval.

In just its third year since being born, the ANZAC Friendship Match is developing a tradition and momentum that has surprised many but not all. Its history is short but rich; its intent is nothing but honest.

The gestation period has been considerably longer. We readily recognise the influential role of the Thailand Tigers’ 2009 ANZAC Day Match Weekend in Kanchanaburi, a few tortured screams away from WWII’s infamous Hellfire Pass. That year, there were three, rather than four, ex POWs at the match. The 90 year old, Ernie Redman, who suffered a heart attack a week earlier, died just four days later. That weekend in Kanchanaburi was one we wanted to freeze in time.

Contemplating the issues and sensitivities associated with hosting an ANZAC Match in Vietnam the following year sometimes felt like we were standing before the fall out of Brigadier Stuart Graham’s minefield in Phuoc Tuy Province. But armed with good people and that honest intent, we seem to have been able to negotiate the terrain to establish the ANZAC Friendship Match as a permanent fixture.

By next year, an eye opening 40 years will have flowed since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Australia. During this time, while “Vietnam” has been frozen in the minds of some, it has been busily writing its next chapter: one of becoming a modern, vibrant country that has warmly welcomed all of us who choose to live and work here.

Last year, a hesitant veteran, John Carey, returned to Vietnam after a 40 year absence. He was deeply impressed with what was, to him, the “new Vietnam”. He liked it so much that he booked a return trip to be here in Vung Tau this weekend – two trips in 12 months! Alas, last January, John lay on the couch and closed his eyes for the last time.

Time.

At the ANZAC Friendship Match, each player will wear two black armbands to symbolise that the pain associated with loss is universal. We shall reflect from a common base – and we shall look forward to blue sky.

We shall shine the spotlight of the “new Vietnam” back into Australia. We shall warmly thank our Vietnamese hosts for generously welcoming us to their country.

We shall use this match to raise funds for the local orphanage, the Centre for the Protection of Children in Vung Tau and Long Hai. In a country where more children die from drowning than road accidents, we shall raise awareness and funds for Swim Vietnam. But we want to do more than “just” reduce the number of drownings; we want to unlock Vietnam’ s long coastline and extensive network of internal waterways to the Vietnamese kids . Bring on a wonderful water world of swimming and laughter!

The ANZAC Friendship Match is not perfect. Unquestionably, we need greater Vietnamese engagement but its current trajectory is reassuring.

To the China Reds, thank you sincerely for coming to our special weekend. We are confident that the significance of the entire weekend will provide you with a lifetime memory that you will want to share.

To the Vietnam Swans and friends, congratulations to each of you playing in today’s Legends and All Stars Matchand the ANZAC Friendship Match.

To the officials, sponsors, friends and Swannies who have worked tirelessly to make today happen, thank you.

To the spectators, thank you for showing your support by attending today’s ANZAC Friendship Match. Enjoy the day, spread the message – and tell people aboutthe 2013 ANZAC Friendship Match.

“Weary” Dunlop once predicted that Hellfire Pass would assume “a significance equal to that of Gallipoli”. So will Long Tan. Time does not stand still.