Gunnedah Shire today marked Vietnam Veterans’ Day with an 11am service at the cenotaph.
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Gunnedah RSL sub-branch secretary Kerry Bee said the shire was home to about 10 Vietnam veterans, some of whom attend the ceremony each year to hear a commemoration address.
On Vietnam Veterans’ Day, Australia honours the nearly 60,000 men and women who served in the Vietnam War.
Australians served in Vietnam from 1962 until 1975, where 521 people lost their lives and more than 3000 were wounded.
August 18, 2016 is also the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, one of the fiercest battles fought by Australian soldiers in Vietnam, involving 105 Australians and three New Zealanders from D Company 6RAR.
In the battle, a total of 17 Australians were killed in action and 25 were wounded, one of whom later died of his wounds.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan said those who served in Vietnam were worthy custodians of the Anzac tradition.
“On the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, we should reflect on the sacrifice and experiences of the Australians who served their country in Vietnam,” Mr Tehan said.
“The bravery, tenacity and sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers at Long Tan has come to symbolise Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
“Today we honour and commemorate every single Australian who served in Vietnam, and we use this as an opportunity to reflect on that period of our history and to say ‘thank-you’ to our veterans for their service.”