By REBECCA STONE
SOME 47 years ago on 18 August 1966, the defining moment of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, the battle of Long Tan, was fought.
It was an encounter that left its mark in the history books, and scars on those who fought for their country.
Last Sunday 18 August, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day was held at the Army Reserve Training Depot on Mann Street to commemorate the involvement of servicemen and women in the military from 1962 to the current day.
Doug Lennox, Vietnam veteran and ex -member of the 12/16 Hunter River Lancers, said the day has become one of remembrance and recognition.
“The purpose of the event is twofold; we welcome home the young soldiers from this regiment who have served in Afghanistan, the Solomon Islands, Iraq and East Timor,” he said.
“On this day we also remember those who died in combat – it is a day of reflection.”
The day also gave the opportunity for those currently serving to remember.
Corporal Mathew Campbell is currently Squadron Quarter Master Sergeant at A Squadron, 12/16 Hunter River Lancers and has previously served in Afghanistan.
“During my time in Afghanistan we lost 11 soldiers – today is about remembering all those who have fallen,” Corporal Campbell said.
A highlight of the service was the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day kindly donated by The Armidale Ex-Services Memorial Club.
Local Armidale resident David Beahan, who fought in the battle of Long Tan, especially appreciated the plaque and the day to commemorate.
“It is lovely to be able to remember those who were killed in Long Tan and to say a little prayer for them,” he said.
“The plaque means a great deal as those who fell served admirably in Vietnam and without them it could have been a very different outcome.”
The mood was sombre as the last post played and wreaths were laid, however when the ceremony finished, veterans, those currently serving and family and friends exchanged stories and remembered in true Aussie fashion by sitting down to enjoy a cold beer and a barbecue lunch.
