Today Australia will pause to mark Vietnam Veterans’ Day, the key commemoration in this 50th anniversary year of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
Thousands of Australians will gather at the Vietnam Forces Memorial in Canberra, and across the country, to honour the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam veterans.
On 18 August 1966, Australians and New Zealanders were outnumbered 10 to one in the battle of Long Tan.
It was the single greatest loss of life Australia suffered during the Vietnam War – 18 Australians were killed and 24 were wounded.
In the years that followed, Vietnam veterans gathered to commemorate those lost at Long Tan.
“Now we gather on 18 August each year to mark Vietnam Veterans’ Day, paying tribute to all those who served in Australia’s longest conflict of the 20th century,” said Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh.
“60,000 Australian personnel served in Vietnam over more than a decade, which sadly resulted in 523 lives lost, and some 3,000 wounded. For their service, and the sacrifices of their families, we say thank you.
“When we speak of the Anzac spirit, we speak of having your mates backs, no matter how dire the circumstances.
“But when our veterans returned home from Vietnam many felt unsupported, unrecognised.
“In marking 50 years since the end of Australia’s involvement in Vietnam, we honour and thank all those who served, and the sacrifices of their families. You have made your nation proud,” Minister Keogh said.
