Trilogy a tribute to veterans
VIETNAM veteran and author Robert Meehan launched his trilogy 'Many a Long Road Travelled', 'Together Then, Together Again' and 'In Support of Fellow Veterans' last Saturday at Twin Towns Services Club and attracted a host of army, navy and air force mates, SAS friends and Vietnam War entertainers.
Mr Meehan said the event was absolutely awesome and literally filled the room with the people he served with in Vietnam as well as war widows, friends and readers.
A highlight of the evening was the presence of Diana Lee, a performer who entertained the troops in Vietnam for near nothing in pay but plenty of gratitude.
Much to the appreciation of admiring veterans, Ms Lee's showed her Vietnam Logistics Support Medal which many Vietnam vets had never seen.
Ms Lee shared some of her Vietnam experiences and told of a time when she performed in front of American soldiers while sounds of gunfire could be heard nearby.
Apart from Ms Lee, Vietnam War entertainers John Preston and Craig Berry as well as famous Vietnam vet Normie Rowe were on hand to take those present back to the days when they enjoyed the shows while dressed in military fatigues.
Mr Meehan said an especially poignant moment was when he took to the stage and following a minute silence, called out the names of all his mates who lost their lives in Vietnam and since.
"We embraced the friendships we formed and as they were formed in blood, they will last a lifetime," Mr Meehan said.
"Of course, before I joined the army, I had a family but once I joined, I found an entire new family and shared unbelievable comradeship."
Book sales on the night were pretty brisk with around 50 sets of the trilogy sold and the owner of the Gold Coast War Museum, Vic Coot, buying a number of sets to be given away to visiting schools.
Mr Meehan said as the books sold really well, he would have to re-order new copies from his publisher.
The first book of the trilogy, 'Many A Long Road Travelled', tells of Mr Meehan's early days and his arrival in Vietnam.
The second book, 'Together Then, Together Again', describes the veterans' achievements while the third book, 'In Support Of Fellow Veterans', explains how the veterans got together after the war and the support they gave each other.
Mr Meehan said the books "aren't about me but about the veterans and the incredible things they accomplished without outside help".
