On the 18th of August every year Vietnam Veterans’ Day is commemorated. Remembering the service of some 60,000 Australians across Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is a day to remember the service and sacrifice of those who served in the Vietnam War and their loved ones.
Commemorated every year on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, one of the largest engagements by Australian forces during the war. An ‘encounter’ battle where 18 Australians were killed and a further 24 wounded, Vietnam Veterans’ Day provides the space to remember all those who fought and reflect on the impact of their service.
Originating as Long Tan Day, following the raising of a cross by the men of 6RAR on August 18th, 1969, at the site of the battle, this day now marks not only the commitment of D Company, 6RAR, in their defence of the Task Force Base at Nui Dat in 1966, but of the service and support of all Vietnam veterans.
A day honouring the veterans who lost their lives during the war and in the years since, those who returned wounded, ill, or injured, and those who still carry the emotional and physical scars of service.
Read: The Story of The Long Tan Cross
With the official keeper of Australia’s war record, the Australian War Memorial, marking the dates for the war as 1962 to 1975, the length of the war and the impact on those who served and their families is profoundly felt, both emotionally and physically.
A national commemorative ceremony will be held at Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Vietnam Veterans’ Day. Read more about it here, with the ceremony broadcasted live across Australia by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and streamed online as a way to commemorate Vietnam veterans wherever you are in Australia.
We are proud to thank veterans and their families for their service.
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