Vietnam Veteran’s Day is synonymous with Long Tan Day, a significant battle Australian soldiers fought near the village of Long Tan. Spanning for over a decade from 1962, almost 60,000 Australian soldiers served during the Vietnam War.

Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War saw the National Service Act introduced; a scheme of selective conscription designed to create an army of 40,000 soldiers, many of which were sent to serve in Vietnam.

Over 500 Australians were killed and over 3,000 were wounded while in service in Vietnam. Whilst over 30,000 Australian Soldiers returned home in the 70s, it wasn’t until 1987 that Vietnam Veterans received a welcome home parade.

Each year we commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day on the 18th of August to pay our respects to the Australian and New Zealand soldiers that fought over 2,000 North Vietnamese troops in the Battle of Long Tan.

2023 will mark the 57th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

ABOUT VIETNAM: VETERAN'S DAY

 

Vietnam Veterans Day is commemorated on 18 August every year. The day was originally known as Long Tan Day, chosen to commemorate the men of D Company, 6RAR who fought in the battle of Long Tan in 1966. On 18 August, 108 Australian and New Zealand soldiers fought a pitched battle against over 2,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops in a small village off Long Tan. The Australians prevailed, but only after fighting in torrential rain for four hours.

They were nearly overrun, but were saved by a timely ammunition resupply, accurate artillery fire from the nearby Australian base, and the arrival of reinforcements by armoured personnel carrier. Eighteen Australians lost their lives and 24 were wounded, the largest number of casualties in one operation since the Australian task force had arrived a few months earlier.

2019 VIETNAM: VETERAN'S DAY

 

2019 marks the 53rd anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Vietnam Veteran’s Day not only commemorates and remembers Long Tan, but all the members of the Australian Army, Air Force and Navy that were involved in the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1975.

The Vietnam War was Australia’s longest military engagement during the 20th century. Involving almost 60,000 Australians, of which many were conscripted; causing the greatest social and political dissent in Australia.

This year the Beenleigh and District RSL Sub Branch Commemorative Service will be held on Saturday, 17th August at 5:30pm at the Beenleigh RSL War Memorial (Club Entrance). Following the Commemorative Service, a Free Live Show by Crossover a 5 piece band will be hosted in the Club’s Terrace Room.

This is a community event, everyone is welcome to attend.

 

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