Forgotten Heroes- Stories and Songs from Hills Vietnam Veterans

You’re all here for ANZAC Day, but what do people understand about Vietnam Veterans? We’re the Forgotten Heroes’ Roger Boness, Past President Mt Evelyn RSL

‘And during our rock & roll war our country forgot what they sent us for’ Forgotten Heroes song

A generation of Diggers, many conscripted through National Service, waited 12 years until a 1987 National Welcome Home Parade. Recognition of Veterans’ needs and rights, is a battle continuing to this day.

Inspired by round table conversations at local RSLs, Forgotten Heroes ensemble proudly presents a poignant, visceral and sometimes funny live performance.

Yarra Ranges Vietnam Veterans are live guests on stage, sharing some of their own tales, including Darryl and the exploding latrine, and what happened when Roger hung his hammock over a snake’s hole. The show shines a spotlight on how Veterans also rebuilt their lives.

Host Stephen Hall (Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell), singer Carl Pannuzzo (Checkerboard Lounge) and the Forgotten Heroes band, bring original songs and stories, as well as curated 70s tunes from the generation who really meant it when they sang ‘We Gotta Get Out of this Place’. Originating in 2018 as a Dandenong Ranges Music Council songwriting project, Forgotten Heroes has been developed by Artistic Director/ ASA award winning songwriter Cath Russell, in collaboration with celebrated Melbourne playwright Tes Lyssiotis.

The show also features 2 film vignettes created by the Forgotten Heroes ensemble in 2021, funded by Dept Vets Affairs. Archival footage is provided by the National Vietnam Veterans Museum, with additional material generously loaned by the Running Rabbit Military Museum at Upwey Belgrave RSL.

Proudly funded by Yarra Ranges Council

Welcoming Veterans of any generation, those who know and love them and those who are new to their stories.