07/08/2026
As Vietnam Veterans Day approaches, our Sub‑Branch invites the community to join us in honouring all Australians who served in the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1973, with some returning in 1975 for humanitarian operations. All Australian personnel were home by the end of 1975.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, one of the most significant and courageous actions fought by Australian forces during the conflict.
Australia’s involvement began with the arrival of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in July and August 1962. Over the course of the war, more than 60,000 Australians served, 523 lost their lives, and thousands more returned home carrying the physical and emotional impacts of their service.
On 18 August 1966, in a rubber plantation near the village of Long Tan, Australian soldiers faced one of their fiercest battles. The men of Delta Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, confronted a force of around 2,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops in heavy rain and muddy conditions. By the end of the day, 17 Australians had been killed and 25 wounded, one of whom later died of his injuries. It was the largest number of casualties suffered in a single operation since the Australian Task Force had established its base at Nui Dat the previous April.
In 1987, well over a decade after troops had returned home, Vietnam veterans finally received the recognition they deserved. More than 22,000 veterans marched in the Welcome Home Parade in Sydney, watched by crowds of over 100,000 supporters. It was a powerful moment of acknowledgement for service and sacrifice that had not been fully honoured in the 1970s.
On the 18th of August, we commemorate all battles fought by Australians in Vietnam, from major operations to platoon and section‑level encounters. We honour the sailors of the Royal Australian Navy who supported land operations, and the members of the Royal Australian Air Force who served in combat and transport roles.
We welcome veterans, families, and community members to attend our commemoration service at 11:00AM on the 18th of August, at ANZAC park, as we pay tribute to their courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy.
