Vietnam Veterans’ Day recognises the invaluable contribution of Australians who served and sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War and ceremonies will be held across the district on August 18.
Vietnam Veterans Day was originally known as Long Tan Day, chosen to commemorate the men of D Company, 6RAR who fought in the battle of Long Tan on August 18, 1966.
The community will pause at cenotaphs across the district on August 18 to reflect on the bravery, teamwork and endurance that Australians displayed throughout the war. It’s a day when we recognise all who served in Vietnam.
Join the Singleton RSL sub-Branch as we commemorate 52 years since the proclamation that ended Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
Singleton’s service commences at 10am with involvement from Singleton High school leaders who will reflect on Operation Babylift. Towards the end of the Vietnam War some 3000 orphans were evacuated to safe destinations in a number of countries with 200 arriving here in Australia.
Meanwhile Muswellbrook will hold their service at the Vietnam memorial, which is part of the Upper Memorial Grove, New England Highway Muswellbrook.
This year Muswellbrook RSL will be completing a plaque dedication to John Flood OAM and Peter Houlahan, both Vietnam Veterans who were the original driving force behind the memorial and continue to work on it now.
The event will start at approx. 3:20pm with the plaque dedication. The service commences at about 3:40pm which is the approximate time of the commencement of the Battle of Long Tan.
Members of the ARVN Association, South Vietnamese forces that operated with the United States and Australia in the Vietnam War and who have settled in Australia, make the journey every year and add a good deal of poignancy to the service.
