Each year on 18 August, memories of the Vietnam War return in many forms, as the Battle of Long Tan, the country’s most significant confrontation of the conflict, occurred on that day.
Now recognised as Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 60 years have passed since the Battle of Long Tan, when Delta Company, 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, and 3 New Zealanders from 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery, fought in the rubber plantation near Nui Dat.
Heavily outnumbered, running low on ammunition and fighting amid a torrential downpour of rain, the men of D Company faced incredible odds against a determined opposition. They were supported by timely artillery from the New Zealand Army, daring RAAF helicopter resupply sorties and a relief force.
Eighteen Australians lost their lives and 24 more were wounded.
For many years, Long Tan Day served as the unofficial annual commemoration day for Vietnam veterans, before Prime Minister Bob Hawke named 18 August as Vietnam Veterans’ Day in 1987.
More than 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War over more than a decade.
These Australians served with distinction, including almost 19,000 National Servicemen deployed to Vietnam.
Thousands more were not deployed, but had their lives put on hold for years. Non-military staff supported Australians in Vietnam including medical volunteers, Qantas staff and entertainers.
The Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour records the names of 524 service members who lost their lives due to their service in Vietnam, and two others who died in Thailand while supporting Vietnam operations.
Many others returned from the conflict wounded, injured or ill, while some veterans and their families carried, and continue to carry, the weight of their service to this day.
Speaking to the importance of Long Tan Day, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh said he believes the principle of sacrifice through service in war is what needs to be emphasised, rather than the specific geopolitical motivations behind the conflict.
“I think these days of commemoration are particularly important because they’re about recognising the service and sacrifice of the individuals who put on our nation’s uniform to fight in conflict or when they’re involved in peacekeeping,” he said.
“It’s not about the political decision behind why they were sent to be involved in this conflict, or the nature of the geopolitical situation. It’s about recognising at a real human level the personal sacrifice and commitment to our nation of those individuals who served, and of course the families that supported and continue to support them as well.
“They did something brave and heroic on behalf of our nation, and they deserve our respect and support. To remember those who died, to remember and recognise the injuries of those, both seen and unseen, that have come home, and to support them when they’ve come home and their families as well, is what matters.”
“Vietnam Veterans’ Day is a chance to commemorate all Australians who served in that war, ensure their stories are heard and their place in Australia’s history is honoured. We acknowledge the families whose lives were changed by service, and whose support formed part of the story of Vietnam,” a Department of Veterans’ Affairs spokesperson said.
“Applications for the Long Tan Bursary opened on 18 August. This grant aims to support eligible children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans with up to $12,000 over three years for tertiary education costs. Applications close 31 October.”
