Vietnam veterans day 2024

THE VIETNAM War was Australia’s longest military engagement of the 20th Century.

The nation’s involvement in the war began with the arrival of the Australian Army
Training Team in South Vietnam during Julyand August 1962.

By the time the war ended, almost 60,000 Australians had served during a decade of
conflict between 1962 and 1972 with 523 of them tragically dying and about 3000
wounded or injured.

Last month the Toodyay RSL led a service to commemorate the 55th anniversary of
Vietnam Veteran’s Day.

Max Howard the local RSL President welcomed all who had gathered for the
service including local dignitaries Acting Shire President Cr Dival, Cr McCormick and Lachlan Hunter Nationals WA Candidate for the electorate of Central Wheatbelt.

Mr Howard then led the Prayer of
Remembrance:

“Today we remember with thanksgiving those who made the supreme sacrifice for
us in time of war.

“We pray that the offering of their lives may not have been in vain.

“Today we dedicate ourselves to the cause of justice, freedom and peace: and for the
wisdom and strength to build a better world.”

After the service veterans, families and friends went to the Toodyay Hotel for lunch
and refreshments.

August 18 has long held significance for Australia’s Vietnam veterans as it is the
anniversary of the battle that was Long Tan.

On that day in 1966 the Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) engaged with the enemy
in a rubber plantation near Long Tan.

Delta Company consisting of 108 soldiers held off an enemy force of over 2000 in
a battle that lasted four hours, fought in wet and muddy conditions during a heavy
tropical downpour.

They were assisted by ammunition supply from Royal Australian Airforce helicopters,
fire support from Australian artillery, and reinforcements in armoured personnel
carriers as night fell.

The Viet Cong withdrew at nightfall leaving behind 245 dead and carrying away
many casualties.

By the end of the battle, 17 Australians had been killed in action and 25 were wounded,
one of whom died a few days later.