Wreaths at Long Tan; one Brisbane Lions jumper and $520 for Swim Vietnam.

Last Thursday, 18 August, 2011, marked the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. It is also Vietnam Veterans’ Day for Australia.

The Swannies’ Glenn Nolan (Tommy’s Sports Bar – sponsor of the Swannies) organised for a wreath to be laid at the Cross on behalf of the Vietnam Swans.

Meanwhile, during the week, Mick Johnston and Phil Johns caught up with AFL Masters, Doc and Deb Watson, from Perth, together with their friends, Brett and Donna. Doc and Deb donated a Brisbane Lions jumper signed by Jason Akermanis, for the Swannies to raise money for Swim Vietnam.

The decision was then made to auction the jumper at Tommy’s Sports Bar after the Long Tan Memorial Service. Glenn auctioned it for an amazing $520. Mick Johnston, who was also there, reports below that:

This was an awesome effort. The winning bidder, Chris, currently organises swimming lessons for a small community outside Tamworth in Central NSW.

Chris and his father, Jack, a Vietnam Veteran, were there to participate in the Long Tan memorial service and he thought the Hoi An Swimming Program (Swim Vietnam) was something worth supporting.

On behalf of Vietnam Swans and Swim Vietnam, thank you so much to Doc and Deb for your gift. Also, thank you so much to Chris for buying the jumper (and then donating it to Tommy’s Sports Bar). Your combined generosity has raised enough funds to pay for this year’s CPR/AustSwim Course for the Vietnamese Instructors.

Go you broader communities and the Swannies!