Next month, on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 18 August, we will pause to remember and honour the service and sacrifices of all who served in the Vietnam War, and the families who supported them during the war and since.
Australian involvement in the Vietnam War began in 1962 with the arrival of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in the former Republic of South Vietnam. For more than a decade, more than 60,000 Australians served including almost 19,000 national servicemen. Although Australia officially withdrew in 1973, some Australians remained and further support was deployed in 1975 to evacuate refugees and embassy staff.
We have developed a digital Vietnam War Kitbag of resources to help organisations, schools and community groups to honour and commemorate the service and sacrifices of all our Vietnam veterans and families.
The Kitbag includes a suggested order of service, suitable music and poems, a selection of posters, a sample speech, veteran reflections, and images for social media.
This year, on Vietnam Veterans Day we also recognise the 60th anniversary of The Battle of Long Tan.
On 18 August 1966, Delta Company, 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) engaged with North Vietnamese forces at the Long Tan rubber plantation, situated only a few kilometres away from the 1st Australian Task Force base at Nui Dat. Outnumbered 10 to one, Delta Company and members of the 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery stood their ground and held off soldiers of the North Vietnamese Army for almost 4 hours.
The Battle of Long Tan is significant in the memories of Australians. On that day in 1966, our service personnel faced unbelievable odds and showed incredible courage as they faced a determined and skillful opponent. Sadly 18 Australians lost their lives. This battle is seen as a testament to the resilience and fortitude of those who served in the Vietnam War.
To download a digital version of the kitbag, visit our Anzac Portal here – Vietnam War Kitbag for hosting an event - Anzac Portal
To secure a free physical copy of the Kitbag, please email education@dva.gov.au.
