Vietnam veterans and their families marked the 45th anniversary of the decisive battle of Long Tan last Thursday with the unveiling of a plaque at the Armidale Ex-Services Club.
Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay joined with Vietnam war widows and family members to unveil the plaque to commemorate Armidale and district servicemen and women who served in the decade-long war from 1962-72.
VV Day falls each year on the anniversary of the battle of Long Tan in memory of the 108 Australian soldiers of 6 RAR who held out for four hours against an enemy force estimated at 2000, before reinforcements finally arrived.
Seventeen diggers died and 25 were injured in that battle.
“There were many other fights and losses, but the battle at Long Tan in August 1966 became the defining conflict in the longest war ever fought by Australian troops,” Mr Torbay said.
“Our troops in Vietnam made their mark as a disciplined fighting force with a deep concern for their mates and a larrikin humour that sustained them through the hard times.
“At Long Tan and many other battles during that long conflict, they displayed courage, initiative and tenacity against a formidable enemy and in such testing conditions and terrain.”
In all, 60,000 Australians served during the Vietnam War, of whom 521 died and 3000 were wounded.
Mr Torbay said VV Day was an opportunity to honour the men and women who served in the conflict, to commemorate those who died and were injured and to pay tribute to their families who suffered loss and heartbreak.
Following the ceremony, around 40 people attended a luncheon hosted by Ex-Services Club President Kevin Fletcher.
