Graeme Cullen and Doug Ramsay lay a wreath on the commemorative cross.
Almost 50 years since the withdrawal of troops from Vietnam, veterans of the 10-year war were recognised in two separate services locally.
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Vietnam Veterans Day, marked annually on August 18, commemorates those who served in the Vietnam War and the men of Delta Company of the 6th RAR who fought in the battle of Long Tan in 1966.
The battle is considered one of the most significant conflicts for Australian service personnel who fought in the war.
The Corowa RSL Sub Branch held a solemn commemorative service for Vietnam Veterans Day last Thursday with members of the community paying their respects at Flag Court in RSL Park.
Corowa RSL Sub Branch members and guests following the intimate ceremony commemorating Vietnam Veterans Day last Thursday.
Corowa RSL Sub Branch treasurer David Edmond who served with two battalions in Vietnam, delivered the Commemorative Address.
“The war for Australia finished in 1972 and now we have relegated to history. However, we should never forget the loss of 521 killed in action, over 3000 wounded and more still suffering from the effects of the war today,” he said.
“When we returned home, we were not welcome by our country. We were shunned, despised and ridiculed. It took 15 years after the war before we were finally welcome. In many cases it was too late with many veterans taking their own lives.
“I ask you to remember the 60,000 that fought, remember the fallen, and to those of us who remain I say to you, hold your head up with pride, you have done your duty.”
Meanwhile, in Rutherglen an intimate service was held at Memorial Park Rutherglen on Saturday, with members of the Wodonga RSL Sub Branch part of the occasion.
Rutherglen RSL Sub Branch President Craig Williams delivered the poignant address reflecting on the sacrifice and courage of the men of Delta Company of the 6th RAR.
Rutherglen RSL Sub Branch President Craig Williams and David Martin OAM.
“On that day 108 Australian and New Zealand soldiers fought a fierce battle against over 2000 north Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops in a rubber plantation not far from the small village of Long Tan,” Mr Williams said.
“The Australians prevailed but only after fighting a torrential rain for four hours. They were nearly overrun but were saved by timely ammunition resupply, accurate artillery fire from a nearby Australian base and the arrival of reinforcements by armoured personnel carriers.
“18 Australians lost their lives and 24 were wounded. It was the largest number of casualties in one operation since the Australian taskforce had arrived a few months earlier.
“After the battle the bodies of 245 enemy soldiers were found but there was evidence that many more bodies had been carried away.”
Members of the Rutherglen and Wodonga RSL Sub Branch in front of the Rutherglen Long Tan Cross.
In total, 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam in the 10 years Australia was involved in the Vietnam War.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the Vietnam War was era-defining, and the longest conflict Australia was involved in during the 20th century.
“The 60,000 Australians who served in Vietnam deserve our utmost gratitude and respect; 521 gave their lives in the conflict and over 3,000 were wounded,” Minister Keogh said.
“Upon their return our Vietnam veterans did not always receive the acknowledgement they were due. Today they form the backbone of our veteran community.”
Corowa RSL Sub Branch members Lesley Rinehart and David Edmond.
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