FIFTY one years ago, a group of strangers met for the first time in Melbourne.
The 58 young men were on an army base called Puckapunyal, all around the age of 19 or 20, and had been conscripted into national service for the Vietnam War.
The Charlie Company 11th Platoon 2/68 quickly became friends, and a close relationship was born.
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READ NOWThe group reunited in May at the Civic Hotel in Inglewood.
“The reunions we hold are not only a celebration of our lives, but also the friends that we lost in the Vietnam War and over the years since,” group treasurer Santo Stumiolo said.
“We’d like to thank the manager of the Civic Hotel, Peter Davies, and all the staff for their support and facilities.”
The veterans also thanked the local Coles supermarket for the food supplied for breakfast the following morning.
Mr Stumiolo said the function had been an enjoyable evening for all involved.