By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
A YEAR 11 student from Oberon High School in Belmont will participate in the study tour of Vietnam to learn about and commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
Alexander Ivanov is one of 10 students from across the state that will travel to significant Vietnam locations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon and Hanoi.
Mr Ivanov was selected to participate in the study tour after completing a project that explored why the Vietnam War was considered controversial.
Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens congratulated Mr Ivanov for winning the award, saying the skills and experience he will gain on the tour are invaluable.
“Alex is a fine leader among our community with a bright future, and I’m thrilled he is being given this rare opportunity,” she said.
“We’re sending a great group of young leaders to Vietnam, who will then be able to come home and share their special experience with their colleagues.”
Oberon High School principal Timothy McMahon said this study tour would be a great opportunity for Mr Ivanov to explore history in a hands-on way.
“It’s just a wonderful thing; Alex is a history student and has a keen interest in history, so for him to get this opportunity it’s a wonderful thing,” he said.
More than 500 Australian soldiers lost their lives during the 13-year war, the longest military engagement of the 20th century for Australia.
The students on the study tour will learn about Australian involvement in the war firsthand by visiting significant locations and battle sights.
Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Victoria Branch president Bob Elworthy said these kinds of study tours were more important than ever as significant anniversaries were reached.
“As we reflect on 50 years since the Battle of Long Tan, it’s important we safeguard these special moments in our nation’s story for future generations to cherish.”
