Remembering Long Tan Day

REMEMBERING AUSTRALIANS’ SERVICE AND SACRIFICE IN VIETNAM

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, has asked all Australians to remember almost 60,000 men and women who served our nation during the Vietnam War, this Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 18 August.

Mr Snowdon said Australian sailors, soldiers, airmen, nurses and civilians were involved in the war for more than a decade from 1962. “Ceremonies held across the country today will remember all those who served, especially the 521 who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. “Just over two weeks ago, we saw the 50th anniversary of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (‘The Team’) being sent to work with the South Vietnamese Army,

Territorial and Mobile strike forces. “The Team served in Vietnam from 1962, until the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF) was withdrawn in 1972, its service over a decade is worthy of enduring recognition.”

This day, 18 August, marks the anniversary of one of Australia’s most significant actions, the Battle of Long Tan. While patrolling the Long Tan rubber plantation, Australian troops primarily from Delta Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and three New Zealand soldiers were attacked by a large and strong force of North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops. After a timely ammunition resupply, artillery fire from the base and the arrival of reinforcements by armoured personnel carrier, the Australian and New Zealander soldiers prevailed, despite being heavily outnumbered.

By the end of the battle, 18 Australians had been killed and a further 24 were wounded. This was the greatest loss of Australian lives in a single battle during the war. Mr Snowdon said we should remember and honour each of our Vietnam veterans, those of the battles of Coral-Balmoral and Binh Ba and many other engagements over that 10-year war. Today, many of 42,000 surviving veterans still carry the effects of the war and the unacceptable treatment they received on their return home. A range of support services are available through the Australian Government including the VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service, a service founded by Vietnam veterans, providing counselling and support 24 hours a day.