Last Wednesday, August 18, saw the 55th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, an event now commemorated as Vietnam Veterans Day.
This is a day in which those who served in the Vietnam War are remembered.
Ceremonies across the country commemorate the 521 Australians who gave their lives in the conflict - among them were 61 soldiers from WA.
At Bunbury War Memorial, veterans took part in a formal ceremony to remember the fallen witnessed by onlookers and the noise of passing traffic in the background.
Shortly after, at Lyons Cove in the Sykes's foreshore play space, with noone around, Tom Dillon walks quietly to a large stone and positions a poppy and a marker on a memorial to his good friend Arnold Richard Sykes,
Mr Sykes was killed in Vietnam.
He died in action on January 19, 1969.
That battle saw two other soldiers killed and five more wounded and evacuated.
A large stone holding a plaque with Mr Sykes' name and his regimental colours stands at the entrance to the children's park.
Mr Dillon, a former City of Bunbury councilor, said he was proud of being involved in a campaign while on the council.
The campaign was to have the area named after his good mate, who everyone knew as 'Dick' Sykes, from Burekup.
He said the memorial is for all who served in the war that took his mate.
Mr Dillon's eyes become misty as he recalls going out with Dick Sykes for the last time.
"I can still remember our last night together before he left to go East for his training," said Mr Dillon, who becomes emotional.
"Dick said, drink up boys, you never know I might not come back."
