NSW Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Veterans David Harris will join Vietnam veterans at the Cenotaph in Martin Place today to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of our veterans of one of Australia's longest military engagements.
Vietnam Veterans Day takes place on 18 August, originally acknowledging the Battle of Long Tan in 1966. One of the fiercest engagements by Australians in the war, the battle resulted in 18 Australian deaths and 24 wounded after three hours of fighting before the Viet Cong withdrew.
The anniversary is now used remember the service and sacrifice of all who fought in Vietnam.
Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War began with the arrival of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam in July and August 1962, this was the start of a more than decade-long military commitment.
While the deployment was primarily composed of army personnel, substantial contributions were also made by the Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal Australian Navy, and civilians.
Over the course of the conflict, more than 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam. The war came at a cost of 523 Australians who died in the conflict and nearly 2,400 wounded.
Vietnam veteran and President of the RAAF Association of NSW Ron Glew will attend today's ceremony.
Mr Glew served with RTFV/35 Squadron, which transported personnel and equipment to over 100 airfields across Vietnam, dangerous journeys through enemy fire and poor weather conditions. The squadron flew nearly 80,000 sorties, totalling 47,000 hours of flying time, and carried 677,000 passengers.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"Today we reflect on the incredible service and sacrifice of those who served in Vietnam, a conflict in which hundreds of Australians lost their lives and thousands more were wounded.
"This is a moment for the NSW community to unite in reflection, as we pause for a minute's silence to honour and remember those who served in Vietnam and their loved ones. Lest we forget."
Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
"Today is an important opportunity for our community to stop and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of all those Australians who served in the Vietnam war.
"More than 60,000 Australians served in the protracted war, with 523 making the ultimate sacrifice. Nearly 2,400 were wounded, and all who served carry the lasting scars and memories of a conflict that also took a heavy toll on their families.
"The Battle of Long Tan remains a powerful symbol of the Vietnam War - a conflict marked by intense combat and profound sacrifice. Its anniversary now honours all who served over more than a decade of war, whether on land, in the air, or at sea.
"We will remember them."
Vietnam Veteran Ron Glew said:
"The Vietnam War was the most diverse and changeable environment that ADF forces had to adapt to at that time. Veterans were required to meet change on a mostly daily basis, initially with limited resources, to achieve their operational requirements and, as a result, a strong spirit of mateship and support for each other became the norm.
"We were flying continuously up to 12 hours daily for 3 weeks at a time on routine and emergency flights which required a strong crew effort.
"History shows that we, and our ADF sisters, brothers and support services, far exceeded expectations, reinforcing the 'Digger' legacy amongst our allies and that teamwork and a 'can do' attitude created a bond between veterans that continues to this day.
"Vietnam Veterans Day gives us a unique day of recognition of our service to our country and affords us the opportunity to reconnect again with our mates and collectively remember our fallen."
