Tomorrow a national commemorative service will take place at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra, marking 50 years since the Battle of Long Khanh, part of Operation Overlord, in the Vietnam War.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester said Operation Overlord was named after the Second World War invasion of Normandy and was undertaken after intelligence suggested the North Vietnamese Army was using a buffer zone between Phuoc Tuy and Long Khanh to train and equip troops.
"Early on 5 June 1971, Australian and New Zealand troops were deployed in the first phase of Operation Overlord, which aimed to prevent the enemy gaining a foothold into the Phuoc Tuy province," Mr Chester said.
"Two days later, on 7 June, the Australians were engaged in some eight hours of intense fighting which ended in an enemy withdrawal - this engagement became known as the Battle of Long Khanh."
"Tragically, three Australians lost their lives in the battle, with a further seven lives lost in an ambush five days later."
Almost 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War from all three branches of the armed forces with some 3,000 wounded and 521 tragically losing their lives.
"The Vietnam War was the longest 20th century conflict in which Australians participated," Mr Chester said.
"Tomorrow is an opportunity for us all to pause and remember the service and sacrifice of those Australians who served in the Battle of Long Khanh, on Operation Overlord and the Vietnam War. Lest we forget."
The legacy and contribution of Australia's Vietnam veterans is still felt by those in the ex-service community today. Vietnam veterans were vital in the establishment of the Vietnam Veterans' Counselling Service, now known as Open Arms, which provides specialised mental health and support services to all veterans and their families.
The service will be broadcast live on ABC TV and iview from 10:30am.