Vietnam Veterans’ Day – remembering Australia’s service
Today we pause for Vietnam Veterans’ Day, a day where we honour and remember the sacrifices of those who died and thank the 60,000 Australians who served during the 10 years of our involvement in the Vietnam War – Australia's longest military engagement of the 20th Century.
The arrival of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam in South Vietnam in 1962 marked the start of Australia’s involvement in the war. Over a decade-long commitment, 521 Australians died and some 3,000 were wounded. Fifteen thousand national servicemen, known as ‘Nashos’, served.
Today also marks the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, one of the fiercest battles of the war fought by Australian forces.
On this day, we commemorate all the battles fought by Australians in Vietnam, from large-scale operations to platoon and section-level encounters.
Vietnam veterans continue to contribute and play an important role in our ex-service community. They are the advocates for services that benefit all veterans – such as the Open Arms Veterans & Families Counselling service, that began 40 years ago as the Vietnam Veterans’ Counselling Service.
If this day has brought up difficult memories or emotions, please contact Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au
Lest we forget.
(Image: During Operation Smithfield, armoured personnel carriers of 1 APC Squadron and troops on foot sweep along in pursuit of retreating Viet Cong in Phuoc Tuy Province after the Battle of Long Tan.)