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Under a colourful canopy of umbrellas, Kerry Bee and Peter Kannengiesser from Gunnedah RSL held the ceremony which included prayers, the sounding of the revielle by Sam Porter, and the laying of a wreath.

While the ceremony was brief, the sentiment was strong.

Already, the Gunnedah RSL is making plans for the 50th anniversary of the battle of Long Tan  in 2016.

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the deployment of the first Australian battle group to Vietnam.

Vietnam veteran Mick Hull said he had been proud of the anniversary event held to mark the 40th anniversary of Long Tan in 2006.

“There were about 27 Vietnam veterans from Gunnedah,” Mr Hull said.

“We got about 22 to come to it. We had a big celebration and played videos of the old days.”

For RSL vice-president Peter Kannengiesser, the memory of the treatment of Vietnam veterans on their return to Australia still sparks anger.

“When they returned it was disgraceful,” he said.

“Our political leaders were the same. This came from the highest polticians in the land, which to me, is unforgiveable.”

Mr Hull said he remembers being spat at and abused because he had fought in the Vietnam War.

Close to 60,000 Australian soldiers served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1972, the longest war involvement in Australia’s history.

During that time, 521 died and 3000 were injured.

The Battle of Long Tan took place on  August 18, 1966 when 108 Australians faced about 2000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops. The Australians prevailed after four hours of fighting.

Sam Porter, who sounded the revielle, is a member of Gunnedah Shire Band, but told the veterans she was planning to join the navy next year.

Australia is currently commemorating the 100th anniversary of World War 1.