Saturday, August 18 is Vietnam Veterans Day, and all are invited to commemorations at the Cenotaph.
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The Forbes RSL Sub Branch has contributed the following, explaining the significance of the day …
Some 60,000 Australians served their country in the Vietnam conflict between 1962 and 1975.
Australia suffered 521 dead and more than 3000 wounded during this conflict and many more veterans suffered, and continue to suffer, as a results of their service.
It was a war, though undeclared, that Australians did not seek, but they were young, proud, determined and confident.
They had wonderful qualities and values taught to them by a previous generation who had also seen war.
As young men and women, they lived in a time when draft-dodging was a dirty word and the domino theory (the fear that if one country in a region came under the influence of communism, then the surrounding countries would follow) was a constant theme.
Service of country was never questioned.
Australians were part of numerous engagements including the Battle of Long Tan on August 18, heavy fighting around Bien Hoa and Long Binh during Operation Coburg at the time of the Tet Offensive, the battles for fire support bases Coral and Balmoral, Operation Goodwood in 1968-69 and in the Battle of Long Khanh.
We must never forget the price our Vietnam veterans paid for their service.
The bravery, tenacity and sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers at Long Tan, and the support provided to them by the RAAF and artillerymen from Australia, New Zealand and the United States, are remembered as one of the Vietnam War’s defining moments.
Australian casualties were 18 killed in action, 24 wounded in action.
That victory has come to symbolise Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
The commemorations for the Battle of Long Tan this year will honour all Australians who served their country during the Vietnam War.
Service men and women, along with community members, are invited to gather at the Cenotaph and Victoria Park from 11am on Saturday, August 18. There will be a service and wreath laying.
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