Vietnam Veterans’ Day
Today we honour all Australians who served in the Vietnam War.
Each year on 18 August, on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, we recognise Vietnam Veterans’ Day.
Almost 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam, with 521 losing their lives in the war and some 3,000 wounded.
The Vietnam War was the longest conflict in which Australians were involved in the 20th Century. The first Australians to arrive in South Vietnam in 1962 were members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. Australian forces would continue to serve in the war until 1972. In addition, from 29 March to 29 April 1975, a Royal Australian Air Force deployment of Hercules transport planes evacuated Vietnamese civilians.
Vietnam veterans are an important part the ex-service community and have played an integral part in establishing services for veterans such as the Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling service, which started out as the Vietnam Veterans’ Counselling Service.
The Long Tan Bursary was also established thanks to the support of Vietnam veterans.
Each year, 37 bursaries are awarded to the children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans, providing education support and helping them to acquire qualifications in their chosen careers.
More information on the Long Tan Bursary, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, can be found on the Long Tan Bursary page of the DVA website.
All Australians are encouraged to pause for a moment today and reflect on the service and sacrifice of all those Australians who served in Vietnam – thank you for your service.
An Nhut, Vietnam. A casualty of a mine explosion being evacuated to Vung Tau by a 9 Squadron Iroquois UH-1B helicopter, February 1967.