4 years ago
VIETNAM VETERANS’ DAY
SHAYNE NEUMANN MP
Today on Vietnam Veterans’ Day we remember and pay tribute to all of the brave men and women who fought in the Vietnam War and the Battle of Long Tan.
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Shayne Neumann said Australians should come together today to honour all Australians who served our country.
“Originally known as Long Tan Day, Vietnam Veterans’ Day is a day to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australians during the Vietnam War,” he said.
“This year marks the 53rd anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, generally regarded as one of the fiercest battles fought by Australian soldiers.
“On that day in 1966, 108 Australian and New Zealand soldiers fought a pitched battle against over 2,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops in a rubber plantation not far from the small village of Long Tan.
“These brave Australians diggers prevailed after fighting in torrential rain for four hours.
“In the end, 18 Australians lost their lives and 24 were wounded, the largest number of casualties in one operation since the Australian task force arrived only months earlier.
“More than 60,000 Australian Army, Air Force, Navy and civilian personnel served during Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War over 11 years between 1962 and 1973.
“Of these, 521 Australian soldiers died and more than 3,000 were wounded.
“Later today, I will attend the Vietnam Veterans’ Remembrance Day Service at the National Australian Vietnam Forces Memorial in Canberra, where I will be representing Labor Leader Anthony Albanese and laying a wreath to pay tribute to all those who served in the Vietnam War,” Mr Neumann said.
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Shayne Neumann said Australians should come together today to honour all Australians who served our country.
“Originally known as Long Tan Day, Vietnam Veterans’ Day is a day to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australians during the Vietnam War,” he said.
“This year marks the 53rd anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, generally regarded as one of the fiercest battles fought by Australian soldiers.
“On that day in 1966, 108 Australian and New Zealand soldiers fought a pitched battle against over 2,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops in a rubber plantation not far from the small village of Long Tan.
“These brave Australians diggers prevailed after fighting in torrential rain for four hours.
“In the end, 18 Australians lost their lives and 24 were wounded, the largest number of casualties in one operation since the Australian task force arrived only months earlier.
“More than 60,000 Australian Army, Air Force, Navy and civilian personnel served during Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War over 11 years between 1962 and 1973.
“Of these, 521 Australian soldiers died and more than 3,000 were wounded.
“Later today, I will attend the Vietnam Veterans’ Remembrance Day Service at the National Australian Vietnam Forces Memorial in Canberra, where I will be representing Labor Leader Anthony Albanese and laying a wreath to pay tribute to all those who served in the Vietnam War,” Mr Neumann said.