Support Vietnam Veterans Day
13th August, 2008
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss has encouraged people to support Vietnam veterans in the commemoration of Vietnam Veterans Day on 18th August.“August 18 is the date chosen to remember the Vietnam War, as it was on that day that a company of 108 Australian infantry held off three North Vietnamese regular army regiments at least ten times their number at Long Tan,” Mr Truss said.
“The battle took place in a rubber plantation in a blinding rainstorm and lasted for almost three hours until reinforcements arrived.”
50,190 Australians served in Vietnam including 42,437 from the Army. Even though the war was sometimes controversial, those who answered the call should be remembered for the way in which they heroically served their country in the best traditions of the Australian defence forces.
“Their service helped secure more than three decades of peace for our nation. Vietnam veterans were not given the proud welcome home they should have received following their service. On Vietnam Veterans Day we therefore especially honour the proud tradition of service and sacrifice of those Australians who went to Vietnam,” Mr Truss said.
Vietnam Veterans Day commemorations will be held in all major Wide Bay centres on or about August 18.
