On Friday, 25 April, the Chinese Museum hosted Lest We Forget: Remembering Chinese Australian Servicemen and Women, a moving event honouring the contributions of Chinese Australians who served during World War I and World War II. Through a series of videos, descendants shared the stories of their ancestors’ service, resilience, and courage.

Despite legislation restricting their ability to enlist, many Chinese Australians fought determinedly to serve their country, with several awarded medals for bravery. The event highlighted the stories of Hedley and Samuel Tong Way, who served in the signals and medical corps during WWI, the four Langtip brothers who saw action in the Middle East, and Alwyn Darley Quoy, who served with the Air Force during WWII and helped strengthen veteran communities.

Guest speakers included Lucy Saaroni (Victorian Veterans Council), Yvonne Horsfield (granddaughter of Hedley Tong Way), Adil Soh-Lim (co-author of For Honour and Country), and Peter Liefman OAM (Vietnam Veteran), each offering reflections on the significance and legacy of Chinese Australian service.

The Chinese Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of its partner organisations: the Victorian Veterans Council, Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), and the Chinese Australian Family Historians of Victoria (CAFHOV).

Chinese Museum CEO Mark Wang making the opening remarks. 

Audience watching the documentary.

Lucy Saaroni having a speech

Yvonne Horsfield giving a talk

Adil Soh-Lim sharing her stories.

Peter Liefman OAM sharing his stories.

For those who were unable to attend, the documentary videos are available for viewing:

Project Sponsors: