Vietnam Veterans' Day

Nationally known as "Long Tan Day" - Commemorating Australia's largest loss in Vietnam August 18th, 1966

(Not to be confused with the American's Long Tan Battle 1968)

In 1988, the Federal Government announced it's commitment to commemorate Australia's Vietnam Veterans, with the first Vietnam Veterans' Day coinciding with the 22nd anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

LONG TAN EVENTS

Every year since the opening of the Memorial in Canberra 1992 Aussie Vietnam Veteran's, the Next of Kin, supporters, school kids and officials proudly display their respects at one of the many parades, services or events held for "Long Tan".

The crowds are getting bigger, as are the numbers of veteran's marching each year - such is the recognition from the Australian people today for all who were involved with the Vietnam War and for all those who were lost.

Participation can be the best educator.

"Hearty congratulations to the 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment and D Company of 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment for their show in Operation SMITHFIELD. Your troops have won a most significant victory over the enemy and one of the most spectacular in Vietnam to date."

W. C. Westmoreland, General, Commander USMACV

In Memory of the 18 Australian Soldiers killed

Richard Aldersea; Peter Clements; Glen Drabble; Kenneth Gant; Earnest Grant; Victor Grice; James Houston; Jack Jewry; Paul Large; Dennis McCormack; Warren Mitchell; Douglas Salverton; Gordon Sharp; David Thomas; Francis Topp; Maxwell Wales; Colin Whiston

21 wounded

Memorial erected by the South Vietnamese of the Phouch Tuy Providence - Demolished when Siagon fell in 1975

Portland and District Vietnam War Memorial

Dedication Ceremony

The Portland Vietnam Veterans Association decided some time ago that a Memorial in Commemoration of Service in Vietnam would be appropriate and initiated discussions with the Portland City Council. what you see here today is the culmination of a lot of planning, meetings and hard work by a dedicated group of people who rose to the occasion.

Some of the symbolism surrounding the Memorial is as follows:

There is no straight line in the path, symbolising the way people were thinking at the time of the conflict. As the path dips below ground level the foliage, when it grows to full height, will be all encompassing and will create darkness, symbolising War.

The Memorial is surrounded by bamboo and ferns similar to what is found in the jungles of Vietnam. The path then bends around to the east and rises back to ground level, more colourful and less sparse foliage is present here symbolising Peace and Light. The Garden finishes with an array of Peace Roses and other colour commemorating the Service of Civilians throught the conflict.

I dedicate this page to Mike Wells AATTV, who lost men that day and suffered for years as a consequence of The Battle of Long Tan '66

I don't profess to be an expert just someone with a lot of photos and her own story I wished to share, encouraging an interest/affiliation in Australian Military Next Of Kin issues - not all written material has formal approval and will be removed by complaint

In memory of and with utmost respect to all fallen heroes