On the eve of Remembrance Day, a heartwarming reunion took place as a set of miniature war medals, belonging to Vietnam veteran Malcolm Edmiston, found their way back to him at Brisbane Airport. This poignant moment marked the end of a year-long separation between the veteran and his treasured medals, lost during a journey from Townsville to Christchurch in 2023.

The 83-year-old veteran, who had given up hope of ever seeing his medals again, was elated when he received the news of their discovery. The journey of the medals back to their rightful owner began when Brisbane Airport initiated a nationwide search campaign, leveraging the annual lost property auction for charity to raise awareness. Despite not being included in the auction, the medals garnered significant attention, with the public rallying to assist in locating Malcolm.

Peter Doherty, a spokesperson for Brisbane Airport, expressed gratitude for the community’s support in reuniting Malcolm with his medals. The search effort involved individuals from both Australia and New Zealand, with the medals eventually surfacing on veterans’ Facebook pages. Malcolm, upon spotting the medals online, immediately recognized them and contacted the airport to claim his belongings.

The timing of this reunion, just before Remembrance Day, added a touch of magic to the occasion for Malcolm, who reflected on the sentimental value of the medals. As a former participant in the Australian Army Apprentice Scheme and a veteran of the Vietnam War, Malcolm’s military service was a significant part of his life story. His deployment to Vietnam as a Construction Engineer in 1968 exposed him to both challenging and rewarding experiences, shaping his perspective on the world.

Returning home in 1969, Malcolm witnessed the struggles faced by fellow servicemen, particularly National Servicemen, in readjusting to civilian life. The impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) loomed large, affecting many veterans long after their return from active duty. For Malcolm, the medals symbolized not only his military service but also his resilience in the face of personal challenges, including his involvement in disaster relief efforts following Cyclone Yasi and the Townsville floods.

With a touch of humor, Malcolm recounted receiving the Defence Long Service Medal for “18 years of undetected crime,” highlighting the camaraderie and lightheartedness that often accompany military service. As he prepares to participate in Remembrance Day ceremonies in Thuringowa, the significance of his medals, now back in his possession, holds deeper meaning than ever before.

This heartening tale of lost and found war medals serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans like Malcolm and the enduring value of honoring their service, especially on occasions like Remembrance Day. The journey of these medals, from being lost and found to returning to their rightful owner, encapsulates the spirit of remembrance and gratitude that defines such commemorative events.