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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.”
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