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Sixty years after the Battle of Long Tan, Vietnam Veterans’ Day provided an opportunity for the Hinchinbrook community to pause and remember those who served during one of Australia’s most significant and difficult military conflicts.
Veterans, families, community members and Hinchinbrook Shire councillors gathered at Ingham’s cenotaph on Tuesday 18th August to honour those who served, those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the families who carried the impact of the war.
The commemoration also reflected on the experiences of Vietnam veterans after returning home and the importance of ensuring their service and stories continue to be remembered by future generations.
By Victoria Velton
Vietnam Veterans’ Day was commemorated across the region on Tuesday 18th August, marking 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan and remembering the Australians who served during the Vietnam War.
At Ingham’s cenotaph, veterans, Hinchinbrook Shire councillors, families and community members gathered to honour those who served, including the 18 Australians who lost their lives at Long Tan on 18th August 1966.
Herbert River RSL President Rodger Bow addressed those gathered, reflecting on the battle, the experiences of Vietnam veterans and the importance of continuing to remember their service.
“Families and friends, today we come together to mark 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan. We gather in remembrance, we gather in gratitude, and we gather in respect for those whose courage and sacrifice have become an enduring part of Australia’s military history,” Mr Bow said.
The Battle of Long Tan took place in a rubber plantation in Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam, where D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, faced a much larger enemy force.
In heavy rain, poor visibility and with ammunition running low, the Australian soldiers held their position, supported by Australian, New Zealand and United States artillery, Royal Australian Air Force helicopter crews and armoured and infantry reinforcements.
“Together, they showed the strength that comes from training, leadership, teamwork and mateship,” Mr Bow said.
The 18 Australians killed at Long Tan were remembered, along with those wounded and the families who continue to carry the loss.
Mr Bow also acknowledged the broader experiences of Vietnam veterans, noting that for many, the effects of their service continued long after they returned home.
“Some carried visible wounds; others carried wounds that could not be seen,” he said.
The ceremony also recognised the many Australians who served throughout the Vietnam War, including regular soldiers, national servicemen, sailors, airmen, nurses and support personnel.
Mr Bow reflected on the delayed welcome received by many Vietnam veterans when they returned to Australia, saying time could not undo what happened but could strengthen understanding and gratitude.
The community was encouraged to keep the stories of Vietnam veterans alive through families, schools and local communities.
“The values shown at Long Tan still speak to us today. Courage under pressure, loyalty to mates, calm leadership, commitment to duty,” Mr Bow said.
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The ceremony concluded with veterans invited back to the Herbert River RSL Club for refreshments and an opportunity to continue the commemoration together as a community.
“We will remember them, lest we forget.”
Pte Jake Healy of 31/42 RQR, Errol a Timor Veteran, Lt Col Merrick Lalor CO 31/42 RQR with Vice President RSL Randall Russell in the centre, Piper Jock Reid, WO1 Glenn Herbert RSM 31/42 RQR and Pte Egide Ndazimana 31/42 RQR. Photo supplied
60 Years On From The Battle Of Long Tan
Communities across the Cassowary Coast stood together in remembrance on Tuesday 18th August, commemorating Vietnam Veterans’ Day and marking 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan.
Services were held at Wongaling Beach and Cardwell, bringing together veterans, families, school students, community organisations, service personnel and residents to honour the more than 60,000 Australians who served during the Vietnam War.
At Wongaling Beach, approximately 80 people gathered for the Tully RSL Sub-Branch service, where a new memorial obelisk dedicated to Vietnam veterans was unveiled, creating a lasting tribute to those who served, those who returned and those who never came home.
In Cardwell, the community also gathered in solemn reflection, ensuring the service and sacrifice of Australia’s Vietnam veterans continues to be remembered six decades on from Long Tan.
Lest We Forget.
The Cassowary Coast community came together at Wongaling Beach on Tuesday 18th August to commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day and mark the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, one of Australia’s most significant military engagements of the Vietnam War.
Approximately 80 people gathered at Rotary Park for the Tully RSL Sub-Branch memorial service, paying tribute to the Australians who served during the conflict and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
On 18th August 1966, soldiers of Delta Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment fought an estimated 2,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops in a rubber plantation near the village of Long Tan.
The anniversary is now commemorated nationally as Vietnam Veterans’ Day, recognising the more than 60,000 Australian servicemen and women who served throughout Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
Tully RSL President Karl Adams said he was grateful to see such strong community support for the local commemoration.
“A big shout out to the local schools, the ladies from Legacy, Lions club, red cross, CleanCo and Officers and Soldiers from the Jungle Training Wing and 31/42 RQR,” Mr Adams said.
The service also marked the unveiling of a new Vietnam Veterans memorial obelisk, created by local blacksmith Brent Cook to provide a lasting tribute to those who served.
“This obelisk was created thanks to donations from Cassowary Coast Community Association, Lions Club, Rotary Club, and the RSL. Next year Tully RSL intends to get a second obelisk made dedicated to the Afghan Veterans,” Mr Adams said.
The Mission Beach Community Association contributed $500 towards the new memorial, as did the Lions Club of Mission Beach, helping establish a permanent place of remembrance at Wongaling Beach.
“May it stand as a tribute to those who served, those who returned, those who still carry the impact of their service, and those who never came home,” the association shared.
“To our Vietnam veterans and their families – we remember, we honour, and we thank you.”
Cassowary Coast Regional Councillor Trudy Tschui also attended the commemoration and reflected on the importance of ensuring the sacrifices of veterans are carried forward by future generations.
“Let us pledge to honour their legacy by ensuring that their sacrifices are never in vain,” Cr Tschui said.
“And in their honour let us continue to build a society that cherishes the values they fought to defend-courage, mateship, and an unwavering dedication to our Country.”
With local schools, community organisations, veterans, service personnel and residents standing together, the commemoration provided an opportunity to reflect not only on those lost during the Vietnam War, but also on the enduring impact of service on veterans and their families.
The newly unveiled memorial will now stand at Wongaling Beach as a permanent reminder of their service and sacrifice.
Lest We Forget.
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