Battle of Long Tan 50th Anniversary events announced

Australia’s Vietnam War veterans will be honoured with a series of commemorative events this year to mark the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan said today.

The Battle of Long Tan took place on 18 August 1966. It was one of the fiercest battles fought by Australians in the Vietnam War, involving 108 men from D Company and 6RAR and more than 2,000 Viet Cong troops.

D Company were greatly assisted by an ammunition resupply by RAAF helicopters, close fire support from Australian artillery and the arrival of reinforcements in APCs as night fell.

“On the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan we honour and commemorate all those who served in Vietnam, including the 521 Australians who died and more than 3,000 people who were wounded, injured or became ill as a result of the conflict,” Mr Tehan said.

“Our Vietnam War veterans made great sacrifices for their country and this year, the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, is an important opportunity for all Australians to acknowledge their service and sacrifice.

“It was very pleasing to see our Vietnam Veterans leading our Anzac Day marches across Australia this year.

“I have no doubt our Vietnam Veterans will take the opportunity this year to engage with their old mates and take part in the many events being held to honour their service.”

This year there will be a program of events to commemorate Long Tan and the Vietnam War, starting with an official reception at Parliament House, Canberra on 17 August.

On 18 August, at 7am, a ‘Stand To’ service will be held at the Australian War Memorial.  A national Vietnam War commemorative service will be held later that morning at the Australian Vietnam Forces Memorial on Anzac Parade in Canberra. A special Long Tan commemorative service will be held at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, Brisbane for veterans of the Battle of Long Tan and their families.

The winners of the Honouring Australian Vietnam Veterans school competition, which was open to Year 9 and 10 students from across Australia, will attend the national commemorative service as part of a three-day program for the students.

Mr Tehan said the Government had also made funding available to ex-service organisations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War through the Saluting Their Service program.

A commemorative dinner for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan will be held on Friday, 19 August and the Vietnam War Commemorative Concert will held on Sunday, 21 August, both at the Brisbane Convention Centre.

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Posted by Brian Hartigan

Managing Editor Contact Publishing Pty Ltd PO Box 3091 Minnamurra NSW 2533 AUSTRALIA

6 thoughts on “Battle of Long Tan 50th Anniversary events announced

  • 17/08/2016 at 11:43 am
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    I have just received a msg from relatives currently in Vung Tau. There is a rumour floating around saying that all activities planned for Nui Dat tommorrow have been cancelled. I have scoured several news sites & can find nothing. Has anyone else heard anything?

    Reply
  • 15/08/2016 at 7:50 am
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    Arrive HCMC, take the fast ferry to Vung Tau, then arrange accomodation there. Once in Vung Tau you can easily hire a car and driver , even a taxi for daily rate to take you north to Long Tan location. Its not a difficult task.

    Reply
  • 10/08/2016 at 1:18 pm
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    Dear Sir/ Madam,
    Could you please advise me of a travel agent based in Saigon that Could arrange transport for me to enable me to attend the on site Long Tan service on 18th August.
    I will be conducting business on behalf of an Australian NGO called Project Vietnam around the time of the service and would like to attend.
    Regards.
    Ian Bath

    Reply
    • 10/08/2016 at 6:28 pm
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      Hi Ian. Best suggestion I can offer is, ask “Mr Google” 🙂
      Brian Hartigan
      CONTACT Editor

      Reply
  • 10/08/2016 at 1:12 pm
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    Long Tan on site Service 18th August.
    Dear Sir /Madam,
    My name is Ian Bath and I will be in Saigon around the date of the Long Tan Service conducting business for the Australian NGO called Project Vietnam.
    Could you please advise me of the name of a travel agent in Saigon that could assist me to attend the pm service at LonTan.
    Yours Sincerely.
    Ian Bath

    http://www.projectvietnam.com

    Reply

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