Nephew pays tribute at ceremony
ANDREW Carines played a special tribute to his uncle at a moving ceremony in Leslie Park at the weekend.
The ceremony was held in remembrance of those who served in the Vietnam War.
War veterans, friends and family members attended along with other representatives from the public such as Member for Southern Downs Lawrence Springborg, SDRC Mayor Peter Blundell and other councillors.
The service recognised the 50th anniversary of Australia's involvement in the defence of freedom and democracy for Vietnam.
Mr Carines wrote the song about his uncle, Albert McCormack, who died in the Battle of Long Tan, and about the guitar he used to play.
Mr McCormack's mother passed the guitar onto Mr Cairnes after it was sent home from Vietnam.
The guitar is said to still have the red dust from the battle on it.
Mr Cairnes said it was very important to sing the song about his uncle at the service.
"I don't think my uncle knew what effect he had on me," Mr Cairnes said.
"He was a brave man."
