VIETNAM Veterans were honoured at a special reception in the Maribyrnong council offices last Thursday.
Mayor Janet Rice said the reception was an opportunity for the community to recognise and thank local veterans.
She presented a commemorative plate to Vic Pilch, vice-president of the Vietnam Veterans Association, Melbourne West sub-branch.
The plate was inscribed with the words: “In commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan – The City of Maribyrnong recognises the service and sacrifice of all our Vietnam Veterans”.
Cr Rice said that in the wake of the Vietnam War, many veterans were not treated as they should have been by the government or the people of this country.
“Our soldiers served bravely and made sacrifices – some the ultimate sacrifice – and this should have been respected above all else.”
The battle of Long Tan took place in Vietnam on 18 August 1966.
It was marked by its incredible intensity and almost impossible conditions.
Soldiers faced monsoonal rain, which restricted their visibility.
Officially, the enemy was believed to have sustained 500 casualties, while 18 Australians died and 24 were wounded.
