Veterans gather to mark 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan
The battle was fought in a rubber plantation called Long Tan and was one of the most significant engagements fought by Australians during the war, but many still feel like they are still not recognised 60 years on.
Sixty years have passed since the Battle of Long Tan, a significant engagement involving Australian soldiers during the Vietnam War. Graeme Davis, a Vietnam War veteran, found it difficult to describe his experiences, emphasizing the moral and ethical decisions he faced during battle. Despite being heavily outnumbered and low on ammunition, the Australians prevailed, but the conflict was a long and challenging one for them.
At the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra, veterans and their families gathered to honor those who died in the conflict. The ceremony coincided with Vietnam Veterans Day, a day of remembrance for many who fought in the war. Ward Gainey, ACT Vietnam Veterans Federation president, emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices of veterans and their families, and the support needed for them in their later years.
Reverend Mick O Donnell, who served in the navy in Vietnam, read a prayer for peace during the memorial. He stressed the need to keep veterans' stories alive and to recognize the ongoing importance of peace and love in the face of future conflicts. Some veterans still feel the impact of public reactions during the Vietnam War, which led to public demonstrations against the government and veterans.
Graeme Davis highlighted the Battle of Long Tan as a significant engagement in Australia's wartime history, comparable to other major military engagements.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
