Federal Member Llew O’Brien is encouraging all Australians to commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day on Monday, 18 August.
This year marks the 52nd anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the 59th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966, and the 50th anniversary of the Australian Defence Force humanitarian operations during the fall of Saigon.
On August 18th, 1966, 105 Australian and three New Zealand soldiers engaged an enemy force of over 2000 Viet Cong fighters in a rubber plantation near Long Tan, Vietnam. They fought in torrential rain and against incredible odds. They killed 245 of the enemy and lost 17 of their own. As reinforcements arrived the Viet Cong decided to retreat.
The Vietnam War was the longest conflict that Australians were involved in during the 20th century. Australia’s support of the government of South Vietnam was vital to stopping the spread of communist aggression throughout the Asia Pacific region.
We commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day to honour and thank the 60,000 Australian personnel who served, we remember the 523 who did not come home, and the nearly 3,000 who were wounded in Vietnam. 15,300 Australian personnel were conscripts.
Close to 70 per cent of Australians sent to Vietnam were Army personnel, with nine infantry battalions sharing rotations into the war zone. Apart from the ground war, the sea and sky were also combat zones, in which the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force operated.
It is estimated that Australian soldiers were involved in around 3900 contacts with opposing forces during Australia’s decade-long involvement in the war.
The Vietnam War must always be remembered, particularly as we navigate current global tensions and consider how we, as a nation, treat and respect all our Veterans and Defence Personnel.
When many Vietnam Veterans returned home and without welcome, they faced rejection, exclusion and disrespect from the people they fought to protect. It is this failure to recognise our Veterans then, that makes it so important to honour their service and sacrifice today.
The traditions of recognising, respecting and honouring Australian Veterans and Defence Personnel must always be upheld. These people served Australia, gave their lives for our country, and gave us the freedom we enjoy today. We gratefully acknowledge their service, and we must be vigilant against those who seek to diminish their service and contributions to our nation.
On Vietnam Veterans’ Day, and every day, we thank, honour, and pay our respects to those who served.
Mr O’Brien will observe Vietnam Veterans Day at a service in Gympie.
Tewantin Noosa RSL Vietnam Veterans Day march and service will begin at 4pm on Monday 18 August.
Conroy-Pomona Vietnam Veterans Day service will begin at 11am on 18 August.
