Long Tan Day
P
AUSING to remember the fallen on
the anniversary of significant battles like Long
Tan, the most significant contact involving
Australian troops in the Vietnam War was
important, DCOMD 3Bde LTCOL James
Smith told a small crowd at Anzac Park.
He said while there was a lot of good
work being done to support veterans
and their families, there was however
always more that could be done.
“We best honour the memory of our fallen
soldiers by supporting their loved ones
and families and looking after their mates
who returned home,” LTCOL Smith said.
“Today we remember all who served
in Vietnam and their loved ones
and families and their friends.”
LTCOL Smith said the motto of the Vietnam
Vets Association - Honour the dead, but
fight like hell for the living - highlighted
two areas for reflection on the 50th
anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
“We rightfully remember and honour the
service, courage and sacrifice from those
who gave their life in conflict,” he said.
Service representatives salute the Cenotaph... (from left) SSGT Mizzo Holden
NZDF, CO 27Sqn WGCDR Matt Harvey, DCOMD 3Bde LTCOL James Smith
and LEUT Ian Whitehead DFR
“We also recognise the sacrifice of
veterans who have returned, everchanged by their service.”
LTCOL Smith described the chain of events
leading up to the five-hour battle in a Long
Tan rubber plantation and the circumstances
that developed during the battle.
He said Delta Company, 6RAR fought
off a force 10 times their number.
The Battle of Long Tan is just
one important chapter in the part
Australia played in the war.
We are particularly lucky in Townsville
to have strong veterans and ex-service
communities who work well together
and the Townsville City Council is
supportive of and engages with our
service and ex-service communities.
Deputy Mayor Les Walker said the Battle
of Long Tan was iconic of Australia’s
participation in the Vietnam War in a similar
fashion to Gallipoli or the Kokoda Trail.
He said Townsville, as a garrison city,
took special pride in shining a light on
its distinguished Defence history.
He said he extended the support
and understanding of the broader
community to those who had lost
loved ones in the Vietnam War.
Members of the Vietnam Veterans’
Motorcycle Club pay their respects to
fallen comrades on Long Tan Day
SEPTEMBER 2016 | 63