Merimbula RSL sub-branch president Allan Browning lead the small but sombre Vietnam Veterans’ Day service at the Beach Street War Memorial. 

He spoke about the Battle of Long Tan and the reason why Vietnam Veterans’ Day is celebrated on August 18 each year. 

Vietnam veteran John Warbrick of Pambula who served with the 9 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), then spoke about how the Vietnam War was one of the longest wars in which Australia has participated. 

“It was from 1962 to 1975, the longest war that has been fought,” Mr Warbrick said. 

He then went on to further educate those in attendance about the Battle of Long Tan.

“Today 51 years ago during a monsunal downfall on the afternoon of the 18^th of August 1966, 105 men of D company 6 RAR and three New Zealanders were engaged by a force of over 2000 Viet Cong in a rubber plantation near the abandond Vietnamese Village of Long Tan,” Mr Warbrick said. 

“The Australians initiated contact but little did they know what they had let themselves in for. 

“The Battle of Long Tan was the most costly single engagement for the Australian Military during the Vietnam War. 17 killed and 25 wounded during the fight.” 

A number of Vietnam veterans and their families attended the service as well as representatives from Far South Coast Legacy. 

Three wreaths were layed to commemorate the day before the crowd before too shelter from the wind at the Merimbula RSL Club for morning tea. 

Earlier in the day Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan encouraged Australians reflect on the service of our Vietnam veterans. 

“Today we remember nearly 60,000 Australian men and women who served in the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1975, including 521 who lost their lives and more than 3,000 who were wounded,” Mr Tehan said.

“On Vietnam Veterans’ Day we honour the Australians who served in Vietnam. Today is an opportunity to reflect on that period of our history and to say ‘thank-you’ to our veterans for their service.”