August at the Memorial
Battle of Long Tan and the Long Tan Cross
The Long Tan cross has been moved to its new permanent position in the Vietnam Gallery, and is currently off display while final preparations are made. The cross will open to the public on Friday 17 August.
The new home for the cross is a space dedicated to reflection and remembrance, and will feature a short film to tell the story of its journey from a simple monument to a powerful symbol.
For retired Lieutenant Colonel Harry Smith SG MC, who was the commander of D Company, 6RAR, which fought in the battle on that day on 18 August 1966, the news couldn’t have been more welcome.
“I’ve always said that’s where I think it should be … It was wonderful when it was there in 2012 [on loan]. Now it’s here permanently, that’s absolutely outstanding,” Smith said.
The Australian War Memorial will mark the 52nd anniversary of the battle of Long Tan and Vietnam Veterans’ Day in August with a program of moving tributes honouring the 60,000 Australian men and women who served our nation throughout the Vietnam War.
The following program will take place at the Memorial:
https://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/long-tan
Public talk: The battle of Long Tan: unravelling the riddles by Ashley Ekins, Head of Military History, 3 pm Friday 17 August 2018
Last Post Ceremony: Vietnam Veterans’ Day and the anniversary of the battle of Long Tan
Memorial Redevelopment Consultation Program
The Memorial is developing a detailed proposal to submit to the Federal Government for funding for an expansion and redevelopment and is also developing a Precinct Masterplan to create a vision that will guide the Memorial for the next 50 years.
Have your say – The Memorial is currently seeking feedback on five project themes in order to help shape the Federal Government submission and the Precinct Masterplan.
Drop-in information sessions – We are hosting drop-in information sessions for attendees to learn more about the project and give their feedback. Sessions will be held in the Reg Saunders Gallery at the Australian War Memorial at the following times:
Wartime 83 out now
Wartime is a must-read for anyone with an interest in military history. Now in its 21st year, the magazine features articles by internationally renowned historians that place the Australian experience of war in a global context.
The Memorial has been shortlisted in the first-ever nationwide vote to determine the 7 Wonders of Australia.
In this celebration of Australia’s greatest assets, you are invited to participate in our country’s first-ever nationwide vote to determine the 7 Wonders of Australia.
Remembering William Allan Irwin
William Allan Irwin was a remarkable man. A gun shearer, a crack shot, and a much loved son and brother, he went off to the war at the age of 37, single-handedly capturing three separate machine-gun posts before giving his life for a country that didn’t recognise him as a citizen.
From the Memorial Shop
To mark the 65th anniversary of the end of open hostilities in the Korean War the following items are available from the online shop:
Kokoda: beyond the legend Edited by Karl James $59.99
Kokoda Frontline! DVD $39.99
Kokoda: the spirit lives DVD $49.99
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